Hospice of North Idaho is hosting its 39th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony tonight.

"It's in honor and remembrance of people we love that have died, and not necessarily this year," Kaylee Kron, community support services manager, said Wednesday. "That time to pause and remember your loved one is really important, so that’s what it’s for."

With social distancing in place, the event has been broken into 14 mini-ceremonies that will include live acoustic and harp music, a welcoming speech, a tree lighting to honor the memory of loved ones and an outdoor candle lighting ceremony followed by everyone singing "Silent Night."

"That's my favorite part," Kron said. "It’s really beautiful."

Last year's event hosted 236 people.

Because of the pandemic, attendees were asked to make reservations and each time slot is filled.

"We've never had to limit our numbers," Kron said. "We had to set some really hard boundaries."

However, Kron said, Hospice of North Idaho offers supportive grief counseling that is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at no cost.

"If at any time they need to talk to someone about their grief, we offer free one-on-one counseling for people in grief all year,” Kron said.

Call 208-772-7994 or visit www.hospiceofnorthidaho.org/grief-and-loss for Hospice grief support information.