REHOBOTH, Mass. (WPRI) — For one Massachusetts family, the Christmas lights lining their home are more than decorations, they’re a tribute to cherished memories with a devoted husband and father who made the holiday season special.

This year marks the Titcomb family’s second Christmas without Chris, who passed away in April 2023, just 28 days after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of lung cancer. He was 44—a marathon runner, physical therapist and proud “girl dad” to daughters Hailey and Sarah.

“Every year, Chris and myself and the girls would decorate outside so to have this done for us is absolutely incredible,” his wife Katie Titcomb said.

The holiday season often deepens their sense of loss, which is why the grief support group Friend’s Way and Christmas Decor by Seascape stepped in on Wednesday night to bring light—both literally and figuratively—to the family.

“I think people forget that there’s so much grief, really every day, but certainly around the holidays,” Ryan Loiselle, the Program Director for Friend’s Way, said. “This small gesture of allowing the girls and mom to be happy is okay—to have that joy and pocket that.”

One special touch was a glowing wreath above the garage—something Chris always wanted.

“That was the first thing the girls said because they knew he always wanted a wreath there,” Katie said. “It will never replace what we’ve lost, but at least it brings some joy and some happiness and some smiles to our faces.”

For Katie, the gift of light and love reflects the importance of kindness Chris strived to instill in his daughters.