Posts Tagged ‘family’

Funeral Etiquette After a Divorce

Death is not the only thing that separates families. Although nothing is quite as final as the passing of a loved one, divorce often does just as good a job at keeping people from sharing their lives. Depending on how things stand within the families, you might still keep in contact with your ex’s family, you might be estranged from all of your previous in-laws, or you might share some other kind of arrangement. (more…)

Is it Possible to Make Funeral Planning Fun?

It is difficult to think of planning a funeral for a loved one as a pleasant activity, but that does not mean the entire process the has to be a sad, heavy affair. Although there will always be an undercurrent of grief in these situations, there can also be moments to treasure and value. (more…)

Babies at Funerals

Funeral etiquette dictates that families think long and hard before they bring children to a funeral. In addition to questions of whether or not a child is equipped to handle the concept of death (and a possible viewing), there are other attendees to consider. Children can be noisy, disruptive, and irreverent at a time when other people simply want space to grieve. So, too, can kids ask questions—innocent enough on their own—but the way they are asked can evoke strong emotions. (more…)

Preparing for the Holidays with a Recent Loss

Grief does not end at the funeral, especially if you happen to lose a loved one as the holiday season draws near. There is something about this highly festive time of year that magnifies feelings of loneliness and grief—and if your loss is a recent one, getting through each day can become even more of a struggle. (more…)

When is it Okay to Go Against the Wishes of the Deceased?

The funeral planning industry encourages individuals to take responsibility for their own death and funeral plans. From fully prearranged funerals with every detail laid out and paid for, to funeral checklists and apps that outline individual wishes, it is all about making your wishes known and easing the burden on your family after you are gone. (more…)

Who Should I Invite to be Part of the Funeral Service?

It takes quite a few people working together to ensure that funeral planning goes off without a hitch. From the funeral director who oversees the details to the individual who stands up to give the eulogy, the best and most unique parts about a funeral are the people who are willing to put in their time and effort. (more…)

Funeral Planning and Unwanted Houseguests

When a death occurs, some people choose to surround themselves with family and friends as a way to cope. Being alone during this time can be difficult, especially if you are struggling with not only your grief, but day-to-day pressures like taking care of your kids, figuring out how financial matters stand, and self-care. (more…)

Funeral Visitation Etiquette

By now, most of us know how to behave ourselves at a funeral or memorial service. We understand the importance of funeral attire, punctuality, keeping kids and technology devices quiet, and offering condolences. Because funerals are more like a church service, in that mostly what is expected of you is to sit and listen, they are not quite as difficult to navigate as other funeral events. (more…)

Clearing the House after a Loved One Dies: Things You Can’t Donate

When a loved one dies and leaves all of his or her personal effects behind, it can be a great comfort to hold onto some of their most beloved belongings. Valuable artwork, a china cabinet that has been in the family for centuries, personal touches like perfume or a scarf—all these things can be passed on and treasured as you find ways to cope with your grief. Unfortunately, it isn’t possible to keep everything, which means you will eventually need to sort through their belongings. (more…)