Every year, Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) brings the communities of Goleta, Santa Barbara, Montecito and Carpinteria together for the Annual Light Up a Life event to remember and honor those who are missed during the holiday season.
The holiday season can stir up a range of emotions, including joy, stress and sadness. For those preparing to navigate the holiday season without cherished loved ones, this time of year can be even more difficult and HSB honors those loved ones with Light Up a Life.
Back in person this year, Light Up a Life will host four ceremonies featuring speakers, poetry, music, refreshments, and the lighting of a memorial tree. There will be a spiritual reflection at each ceremony led by HSB’s spiritual counselor Kristen Rohm.
Guests can also 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.
Emcees for the event are Steve Jacobsen, Marybeth Carty and the Rev. Julia Hamilton. Poets include Past Santa Barbara Poets Laureate Laure-Anne Bosselaar (2019-21) and Chryss Yost (2013-15), and Ron Alexander, Patricia Bower, Patrice Handley and Elizabeth Link. Musicians are Dos Pueblos Jazz Choir and Cold Springs School Chorus.
Light Up a Life ceremonies will be held at the following times and locations:
Santa Barbara (Lobero Theatre) – 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4.
Montecito (Upper Village Green) – 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7.
Carpinteria (Seal Fountain) – 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10.
Goleta (Camino Real Marketplace) – 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11.
Additional stars and refreshments will be available 30 minutes prior to each event.
In addition to the in-person ceremonies, HSB can dedicate a star to a loved one on its Virtual Tree of Remembrance. For a suggested donation of $15, participants can dedicate a digital star(s) with their loved one’s name, photo, and a special message. The donor also will receive a paper star(s) they can hang at one of the four traditional Trees of Remembrance throughout the community.
“Light Up a Life is such a memorable tradition we have every year where we continue to share our grief for those we miss. We are extremely happy to be back in person this year,” said David Selberg, CEO of Hospice of Santa Barbara. “We hope to see you at one of the four locations as we honor those missed this holiday season.”
All events are free. To learn more and dedicate a star to a loved one in person at one of the four locations or on the Virtual Tree of Remembrance, visit http://www.hospiceofsb.org/lual.
For more about Hospice of Santa Barbara, including volunteer opportunities, call 805-563-8820 or visit www.hospiceofsantabarbara.org.