Funeral planning during the holidays brings unique challenges, but with careful thought, you can create an especially meaningful tribute.
Planning a funeral during the holiday season can be stressful, especially as emotions run high and many people are focused on family gatherings and traditions. If you’re grappling with the decision of when to schedule the service, there are several factors to weigh. A funeral during the holidays might coincide with family visiting or seasonal travel plans, but it also can create additional challenges. There is no right or wrong time for a funeral—it’s about what works best for your family and loved ones. In this article, we will share some helpful suggestions to guide you through funeral planning during the holidays.
Seven Tips for Holiday Funeral Planning: Here are some suggestions to help you navigate these challenging preparations:
1. Avoid Sundays and Major Holidays
It's best to avoid scheduling a funeral on Sundays or major holidays for several reasons. Religious leaders are often unavailable to perform services because they have regularly scheduled services or holiday services to lead. Additionally, cemeteries may have reduced hours or be closed. Many of your family and friends will also have prior travel plans, making it harder for them to attend. Choosing a couple of days outside of these busy periods will help avoid unnecessary complications.
2. Opt for a Friday or Saturday
To allow the maximum number of people to attend and show their respects, consider scheduling the service for a Friday or Saturday. These days are generally more accessible for those who may be traveling or have busy work schedules during the week. A weekend service is also more likely to accommodate the schedules of distant family and friends who want to be there but might be otherwise tied up during the the week.
3. Consider Hosting Two Services
If timing and attendance are concerns, hosting two services may be an option. You can hold an immediate, more traditional funeral service if there are religious customs to consider. Then, after the holiday season, you can arrange a second, possibly more casual, memorial service. This approach provides more flexibility for those who can’t attend during the holidays. Keep in mind that this requires additional planning, coordination, and resources.
4. Delaying the Funeral Could Be an Option
If you believe that more people will be able to attend a service after the holidays, delaying the funeral might be a viable choice. However, this option may come with emotional challenges as it can prolong the grieving process. If you opt to delay the service, it’s important to surround yourself with support from loved ones and be mindful of the extra emotional toll that this decision may bring. It’s important to give yourself space to process before the funeral, but also recognize that waiting may bring comfort and closure for more family members.
5. Be Flexible
Adaptability is key when planning a funeral during the holiday season. Some people may not be able to attend due to other commitments or travel plans, so be understanding if certain loved ones are unable to make it or need to adjust their attendance plans. Don’t take it personally; people may want to pay their respects, but people may want to pay their respects but are simply facing logistical challenges or personal obligations that prevent them from being there in person.
6. Communicate the Date as Soon as Possible
Once the date of the service is set, it’s crucial to communicate it as soon as possible. Share the date and details with close family and friends through a group email, text, or phone call. This will give everyone enough time to make travel arrangements and clear their schedules. If you have multiple dates for different services, be sure to provide clear communication so people can make the best decision for their availability.
7. Seek Advice from Your Funeral Director
Funeral directors are invaluable resources when planning an end-of-life service, especially during the holidays. They have years of experience dealing with the unique challenges of holiday planning and can offer valuable guidance on timing, service, and what to expect. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them for advice—they are there to help ease the process and offer suggestions that will help you make the right decisions for your loved ones.
Funeral planning during the holidays can be emotionally and logistically challenging, but with careful consideration, you can find a solution that works for you and your family. Whether you choose to hold the service during the holidays or delay it until after, keep in mind that the ultimate goal is to honor and celebrate the life of your loved one in a way that brings comfort and healing.
If you're navigating funeral arrangements during the holidays and need support, the compassionate team at Evan W. Smith Funeral Services is here for you. Contact us anytime for assistance and to discuss how we can help make this difficult time a little easier for you and your family.
About Evan W. Smith Funeral Services: Since 2009, residents of Wilmington, Dover, and the surrounding Delaware community have relied on the caring staff at Evan W. Smith Funeral Services to help them through their darkest hours. Family-owned and operated, the company offers an array of elite funeral care services, including traditional funerals, cremations, memorials, pre-planning, grief counseling, and more. With decades of experience in caring for families from all cultural backgrounds and diverse walks of life, Evan W. Smith Funeral Services is committed to creating memorable, uplifting experiences that always exceed expectations. For more information, please visit www.ewsmithfs.com.
Leave a Reply 0 comments