Brandon Funeral Home Hosts 28th Tree of Memories Service

A funeral home in Brandon, Canada, is set to hold its 28th annual Tree of Memories candlelight service on December 5, 2023, providing a space for those grieving the loss of loved ones during the holiday season. Brockie Donovan Funeral and Cremation Services organizes this poignant event to help attendees find comfort and connection amidst their sorrow.

The service will take place at the McDiarmid Drive Alliance Church, beginning at 19:00. Participants will have the opportunity to commemorate their loved ones by hanging personalized ornaments on a Christmas tree. Each ornament features the name of the deceased, printed in gold, along with a heartfelt poem. According to Lisa Hammond, the special events and after-care co-ordinator at Brockie Donovan, this ritual fosters a sense of community among those who share similar experiences of loss.

“We come together in the spirit of comfort and companionship,” Hammond stated. “I think it just helps people feel that they’re not alone and they are part of this greater community who is grieving alongside them.”

Those wishing to receive a complimentary ornament must contact the funeral home by December 4 to ensure availability before the ceremony. The ornaments are designed as flat, round disks made from heavy cardstock, adorned with a green hook and either a gold or green bow.

The service will be officiated by funeral celebrant Kim Lewarne and Craig Miller, minister of Knox United Church. Attendees can also look forward to a musical performance by the duo Wildflower Whiskey, comprising Julianna Moore and Rob Lovatt. In previous years, the service has attracted as many as 600 participants, emphasizing the widespread need for communal grieving.

Hammond explained that the Christmas season can be especially challenging for those remembering loved ones who have passed away. She shared her own experience of losing her father in 2019, reflecting on how his absence profoundly affects her family gatherings. “Not having him over the holiday season, it’s really hard to not have him present at the dinner table, have the laughter and the jokes that we’re used to,” she remarked.

To keep her father’s memory alive during the holidays, Hammond has established a personal ritual: she plays his favorite Christmas music throughout the day. “I think you carry it with you forever. It’s never going to leave you, but it softens,” she added, highlighting the enduring nature of grief.

Hammond emphasized that everyone grieves differently and that supportive rituals can vary. She suggested options such as leaving an empty chair at the table with a photo of the deceased, creating a memory box, lighting a candle, or simply continuing to speak about them. “If it’s the first Christmas without your loved one or a couple of Christmases, you have to be strong and do what is best for you as a grieving person. There’s no time frame on grief,” she noted.

Attendees of the Tree of Memories service will each receive a candle to light during the ceremony, symbolizing hope and remembrance. After the service, individuals are welcome to retrieve their ornaments or arrange to pick them up later at Brockie Donovan Funeral and Cremation Services.

This annual gathering serves as a reminder that even in times of profound sadness, communities can come together to support one another, ensuring that the memories of lost loved ones remain a cherished part of the holiday season.