Question:

How can I remember my child at Christmas?

Types of Cemetery Plots

After the decision has been made to use a cemetery the next decision is what type of burial plot to purchase. There are four main types of cemetery plots to choose from. Not all options will be available at all cemeteries.

• In Ground Plots - Burial in the ground is the traditional method of burial that most people in the United States are familiar with. An in ground burial plot will usually accommodate one burial. In some cases cemeteries will allow a casket to be placed on top of another in one plot.


• Mausoleums - Mausoleums are above ground structures that are designed to hold one or more caskets. They can be private and designed to hold the members of one family. Other mausoleums are large and spaces are purchased individually.


• Lawn Crypts - Lawn crypts are essentially mausoleums underground. Individual cemeteries may handle them differently but essentially a concrete structure is placed underground that will accommodate multiple caskets. They can be built to accommodate the number of future burials that are anticipated.


• Columbarium Niches - Cremated remains can be places in a columbarium niche. These are structures designed with shelves or niches designed to display urns.

Make a Memorial Video

Having a memorial video to commemorate the life of the deceased is a wonderful way to remember them. A memorial video usually includes photos of the person throughout their life as well as photos of family and friends. Consider using their favorite music as a soundtrack.

Beyond being a lasting family memento, the trend is towards using these memorial videos at funerals and memorial services. They can also be played at the funeral home during visitations.

Create your own video and take it in any direction that you wish. What has been discussed here is merely a suggestion. Software is available for download to assist you in creating your own memorial video. If it is not possible to do it yourself, there are companies that can make one for you. Many of these companies are listed online or your funeral home director may be able to make a local recommendation.

Memorial Ornaments

Buy a special Christmas stocking or tree ornament and have the name of the departed loved one put on it. Most memorial ornaments have a place for engraving at least a name and date. Some have more space so that they can be personalized in any way that you like. They are available in glass, pewter and sterling silver. It can wonderful having something year after year that reminds you and your family of the special person that was in your lives.

Memorial Funeral Favors

A growing trend in funerals is to distribute funeral favors to those in attendance.The tradition has developed from the practice of giving favors at gatherings such as weddings which has been around for many years. It is usually a small memorial item to remind the attendee of the person. Funeral favors come in many forms. Some examples are buttons with their picture, a memorial window decal or a candle. In the case of a cremation the ashes are sometimes distributed in mini memorial urns.

Donate a Toy to a Needy Child in Memory of Your Child

Keep the memory of your child alive and help a needy child at the same time by donating a toy. Most towns and cities have programs for the holidays to benefit needy children. Toys for Tots is a national organization that accepts toys for children. Angel trees can be found in most malls. Select a name from the tree and buy the child a gift to make their holidays special. The recipient doesn't have to know that the gift is in memory of your child. You will know in your heart that it is.