10 Ways to Turn a Funeral into a Celebration of Life - Page 2

6) Include Children

Although it is a sad way to learn about death, it is important to include children in funeral ceremonies, so that they do not feel excluded or confused.  It is also important to make them feel comfortable with the idea of mortality from an early age.  Explain to them what will happen at the funeral, and try your best to answer any questions they may have. It is also nice to give them an important job to do during the ceremony, especially if it is someone close to them that has passed.  Maybe they can help place dirt over the coffin, or hand out flowers for the mourners to place over the grave.

7) Forever Attached

While our loved-one may have passed, the love you share is forever.  To ease your separation, bury part of an object with them and keep the other half for yourself.  Kind of like the friendship bracelets we all had in the 6^th grade.  Even when you were away from your BFF, you knew your special bond was still connected.

Donating your organs is a great way to give back to the world you leave behind.

Okay, so the after-funeral party, also known as the "Wake", or "Shiva" for those of the Jewish faith, isn't exactly the type of after-party MTV would throw, but you can still enjoy being surrounded by those you are connected to through the deceased.  They would love to have known that everyone who made their life special was in the same room together getting along, having fun, and celebrating their life.

Have some treats out that you know the deceased would have loved.  Keep out some of their old photo albums, year-books, and anything else you think is relevant.  You can also watch those home videos that may have been played on silent throughout the funeral.

9) The Celebration Continues

The celebration doesn't have to stop just because the funeral did. Throughout your life there will be reminders of your relative or friend who has passed.  Birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays are times that may be difficult, but your grief can find relief. Try not to shy away from your emotions.  Instead, use them to once again celebrate a life. Why not have a graveside BBQ on their birthday, spend Mother's or Father's Day with the family you still have, or make a great dinner in honour of the deceased and remember all the great times you had together.

And you can always Finish Off What They Started.  Get involved in a charity they loved, or do something they always talked about, but never got around to doing.

10) Personal Contribution

In terms of your own mortality, it's never too early to determine your own special way of celebrating your life.  Let your loved ones know that you don't want a grim, sorrowful goodbye.  Be sure to include in your Will that you want your family to enjoy themselves, have fun, and party-up your grand send-off!  It's also important to include in your Will what is to be done with your body.  Donating your organs or entire body as a cadaver for med students is a great way to give back to the world you leave behind.

Comments (1)

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Em

October 01, 2009

Votes: +0

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I just want to thank you for writing this article. I like the perspective you took and the ideas you put forward. I think it challenges the way people in our society generally view funerals, death and grieving - because they are typically sensitive subjects and people seem hard-wired to equate them with sadness and only sadness (or anger and frustration). While I in no way want to diminish the sadness that can exist, I agree with you and think it can be healthy for all involved to introduce celebration into funerals.

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