Each year, Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) brings the Goleta, Santa Barbara, Montecito and Carpinteria communities together for its annual Light Up a Life ceremony to remember and honor loved ones who are missed during the holiday season.

The holiday season can stir up a range of emotions, including joy, stress, sadness, and everything in between, according to HSB. For those preparing to navigate the holiday season without loved ones, this time of year can be even more difficult and HSB pays tribute to them with Light Up a Life.

HSB will host four ceremonies, featuring speakers, poetry, music, refreshments, and the lighting of a memorial tree.

“Light Up a Life is a nice way to start the holiday season and gather with community members to spread love and harmony,” said David Selberg, CEO of HSB. “It is an uplifting way to honor and remember our loved ones that are missed during this special time of year.”

At each ceremony, there will also be a spiritual reflection led by HSB’s spiritual counselor Kristen Rohm. Guests will be able to hang one or more stars in memory of a loved one who has died, or in honor of someone living.

The Trees of Remembrance will remain lit at each site through the end of the year.

Event locations are:

Santa Barbara: Lobero Theatre, 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3.
Montecito: Upper Village Green, 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6.
Carpinteria: Seal Fountain, 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9.
Goleta: Camino Real Marketplace, 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10.

Event emcees are Marybeth Carty and Rev. Julia Hamilton.
Musicians include Dos Pueblos Jazz Choir, Cold Springs School Chorus, and singer John Vale. Poets attending will be poet laureate Melinda Palacio and past poet laureate Perie Longo.

Those who would like to participate but are unable to attend the in-person ceremonies can dedicate a star to a loved one on HSB’s Virtual Tree of Remembrance. Additional stars and refreshments will be available at each event.

For a suggested donation of $15, individuals can dedicate a digital star(s) with their loved one’s name, photo, and a special message.

To dedicate a paper or virtual star, or for more information, visit www.hospiceofsb.org/lual.