There are ways to cherish all memories

While people may be living longer and the life expectancy has increased to 81 years, it doesn’t change the fact that one day we will not be here.

And while it is something that we may not want to talk about, planning your own funeral is something that we should all think about.

Although your funeral is likely to be a long way off, avoiding the subject today means that, when the time comes, the uncertainty of arranging the perfect send off along with the financial burden of funeral costs will be passed on to your family.

Take control for greater peace of mind Taking the proactive approach of buying a Prepaid Funeral Plan lets you take control of the unexpected.

So why not take time at the New Year to sit down and plan your final farewell, your celebration of life and ease the burden on your family.

Often at funerals nowadays people release balloons to commemorate the passing of their loved one, this can be a good way for children to learn about the grief process.

For many years families have installed benches in cemeteries or a special place where their loved one liked to sit and take in a pleasant view.

There are other ways to remember them too.

You cold turn their favourite piece of clothing into a teddy bear.

If the person in your life was known for their colourful ties or perhaps for a signature colour, then how about remembering them in the form of a teddy bear?

Memory bears are designed as keepsakes and are crafted from the material you provide.

Alternatively, the clothing could also be transformed into a cushion cover or a lap quilt, depending how you would best like to keep their memory alive.

You could name a rose in their memory.

Packs are available to purchase from companies where you can buy a name a rose gift tin where you will get you some rose seeds, a certificate and the rose’s name will be entered into the International Rose Naming Registry which is periodically submitted to the British Library.

Why not create a quilt from photos or clothing.

Memory quilts are something that are very popular across the pond in the USA.

This is a wonderful way to capture dear memories either by using photographs or clothing worn by the person you have lost.

You could plant a tree to remember a life lived. Every year when the tree blossoms, you can bring branches into the house, symbolising their life.