Hospice Yukon’s 27th annual Lights of Life ceremony will begin at 12:15 p.m. Thursday in the atrium of the Elijah Smith Building.

“This gentle ceremony features speakers, poems, as well as the beautiful voices of the Persephone Singers,” the society said Monday.

“Lights of Life gives Yukoners the opportunity to take part in a simple and meaningful ritual of hanging a remembrance tag on a Lights of Life tree to honour the life of a loved one who has died.”

“The holidays are a time when we celebrate togetherness, which also reminds us of loved ones who are no longer with us,” said Stacey Jones, thie society’s executive director.

“The simple act of hanging a remembrance tag allows us to include their memory in a meaningful way.”

There are five trees at the Elijah Smith Building, including a pet tree and a child tree.

“Bringing a child to Lights of Life to remember a special relationship is a wonderful way to teach the important life skill of healthy grieving,” said Deb Higgins, Hospice Yukon’s communications co-ordinator.

This year’s display is called “Passages,” and it features excerpts of writing on loss, grief and life transitions. All of the excerpts are taken from books in the Hospice Yukon lending library.

Lights of Life trees are also at Hospice House (409 Jarvis St.) and many locations around Whitehorse.

Trees at the Elijah Smith Building are available for hanging tags after Thursday’s opening ceremony until 5p.m., then weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Dec. 20, and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 21.

Those looking for a more quiet and private space are welcome to visit the tree at Hospice House from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays until Dec. 22.