Photo: Thinkstock

This time of year, there are plenty of year-end roundups—the best of this, the worst of that. Well, here's one year-end particularly moving collection: The New York Times asked readers to submit photographs of the loved ones they lost this year, and the results comprise the impossible-to-stop-clicking collage here. The visual impact alone is quite affecting. So you're behind on your Christmas present shopping, so you committed to too much, so your home is a mess unworthy of the guests about to descend (am I projecting too much here?)—all those petty seasonal troubles fade away.

Clicking on the photos enlarges them and offers a caption about the departed person. "I found out via Facebook that my first love died a premature death this summer at age 41," one caption reads. "I find it incredibly strange that he no longer exists, out there somewhere." Another photo is labelled, "My brother was always a ham. He was also an amazing protector and friend. Looking through pictures of our childhood, I was amazed at how nearly every picture had him with his arm around me supporting me. He truly taught me the meaning of love." And another: "This is how I would like to remember my sister Sandy, optimistic and mischievous at the same time...She was strong and brave up until the very end."

Viewing this gallery offers an irresistible peek in to the stories of others, and the format is thought-provoking. What one photograph would encapsulate my life? What moment in time would your loved ones remember most about life with you? What pose, what face, what mood would you most miss about the people you love? If you're not crying by now, maybe it's time to go slice some onions or something. At any rate, when you see your loved ones over the holidays, be sure to hug them tight, tell them you love them, and remember to take lots of photos.

You must see this photo gallery to believe it: The Lives They Loved, at the New York Times

Read More:
Coping With Loss
The Digital Trail of the Dead