Holidays, A Time to Remember a Time to Heal

The holiday season is upon us and for many funeral homes it’s time for hosting an annual service of remembrance. The idea of these services is to invite all the people in the community that have experienced the loss of a loved one in the past year or so, to join together in fellowship and remember the life of the departed. Holiday times can be a particularly hard time of year with the recent loss of someone we love. Traditions bring back powerful memories of our past relationship. In other words, we miss them even more during the holidays .

The service is an opportunity to join with others who share in the need of continued support. Usually this type of service is more spiritual and shy’s away from any one particular religion. Because the entire community is invited it needs to be an interfaith style of ceremony. The tricky part is supporting the various beliefs without offending the beliefs of others.

At the funeral home I last worked for, we would invite clergy from the 3 or 4 churches in town to conduct the service. They would take turns sharing in the ceremony, being careful not to push any particular aspects of their religion. If I was putting together a holiday service today, I would hire my local Celebrant. They are trained and perfect for interfaith styles of services. Music was also more spiritual then religious and would often bring back emotions and tears.

We had a holiday tree of remembrance decorated with light and ornaments.

Everyone that attended was given two white dove ornaments. As part of the service attendees would come forward and speak the name of those they wish to honor as they hung the dove on the tree. The other ornament was a gift from the funeral home to take home.

The time of fellowship following the service was a comforting time to socialize over cookies and beverages. As a funeral director I found it to be  a great time to re-connect  with those I had served and it was always a pleasure to be able chat without having to plan a funeral. It was also good to be able to connect with families that were served elsewhere and an important opportunity to let them see our facilities. The people who came were always so appreciative and thankful it was a great feel good time and powerful community outreach for our business.

It surprises me that all funeral homes don’t organize such an annual event. Any opportunity to connect with the community and show our human side is a good one. The holiday time is the perfect opportunity and you will see by the emotions of the attendees that is also needed to continue the healing process as life continues. Some families came back year after year.

I have noticed in the past few years that in communities where funeral homes did not conduct such a service that Hospice groups have been hosting them or an interfaith church group. If this hasn’t happened yet in your community and you own a funeral business, I would advise that you get with it. And if another organization is already doing it, then join in and support it. Buy the cookies and punch and get in there because you care even after the funeral bill is paid.

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Fingerprint Jewelry Connects with Everyone


Mother and Daughter

Every fingerprint is unique, so why not give a friend or family member one of the most unique gifts that one can possibly give. Fingerprint jewelry has the fingerprint of the gift giver. The fingerprint is prominently displayed on the jewelry which can come in a variety of designs and sizes. Parents, Couples, Siblings and friends can all cherish the connections that our the gift of life.


How the Fingerprint Jewelry is Created

There are several methods used today to create fingerprint jewelry.

As Unique as You!

At Cremation Solutions we capture the print with an ink print on white paper. We can supply the kit to take the prints. If there is not enough time for us to mail you a kit, fingerprints may be taken using an ink pad and white paper. The thumb is usually the best finger to use. Once we select the best print, we scan it at a very high resolution and then transfer the print into wax. Our jewelry is made using the process of a lost wax casting. Engraving on the back of each piece is part of the casting process as well. Our process takes three weeks if the finished jewelry passing final quality control. The prints is kept in our data base forever, so if additional jewelry is desired, you need only give us the name of the print donor or the unique number that is on the back of each piece..

Another popular method is to capture the print in a product called precious metal clay, which allows for someone to place his or her finger on the clay. The clay is then rolled out and shaped using special forms. Then the metal clay is dried under the high heat of a gas torch or kiln. Using both the clay cutter and an emery board, the artisan can create an original piece of jewelry that will make the perfect gift.

Always Feel the Connection

Fingerprint Jewelry Can Be Taken Almost Anywhere

The great thing about jewelry made from a fingerprint is that the recipient can carry it with him or her. It often feels like the print donor stays with the recipient wherever he or she goes. There are many pieces of jewelry that look alike, but a custom piece of fingerprint jewelry will always be unique. By taking the time to have the piece of jewelry made, the gift giver shows that he or she actually put time, effort and thought into the gift.

Other Gifts Just Don’t Cut It

It’s very easy to give someone a gift card to a popular store. It’s also easy to grab a gift basket filled with chocolates, cookies and random knick-knacks. What is much harder is to find something that is truly unique and shows that the gift giver actually understands the recipient.

Wrap Him Around Your Finger!

Personalized gifts are more memorable and the recipient of a fingerprint keepsake is much more likely to keep it for a long time.

Personalized Items Bring Back Memories

One of the best parts about having a long-term relationship with someone are the memories that are generated through experiences together. Memories are often brought back from the past through their associations with sentimental objects. A pin, pendant or a photograph can bring old memories to the surface and can often be the glue that holds relationships together.

Personalized Gifts Show That the Relationship is Cherished

When someone gives a personalized gift, they are sending the message that they cherish the relationship and see it as much more than a casual acquaintance.

Keep Their Touch Forever

They are the perfect gift for kids. Friends, couples and to remember someone who has passed on. What is more powerful than the fingerprint of a loved one who has passed on? With fingerprint jewelry, it is as if the touch of that special loved one is always with you.

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