By Melissa Petruzzi.

The holiday season is approaching quickly, and it’s a busy time for everyone, including cemeterians. Many people of all different faiths visit gravesites this time of year to honor and remember loved ones. We’re sure you’ve done all you can to ensure your cemetery is an inviting place for family and friends over the holiday season, however, with the current status of the world, maybe you are in need of some fresh ideas. We’re here to provide some knowledge to guarantee you’ll be ready for visitors coming to your cemetery this season.

There are many exciting ways to incorporate holiday activities into your cemetery’s schedule. We all know it’s going to be a little trickier this year, as we must observe COVID-19 safety precautions. Rest assured, it can still be done! Be sure to check with your local officials about social distancing guidelines prior to hosting any in-person events.

It is a traditional custom for a cemetery to offer wreaths, flowers, candles, etc. for their visitors to purchase in order to decorate a loved one’s grave. So, this year, let’s change it up! One unique decoration that may not be as well known is the grave blanket. Grave Blankets are floral decorations, usually made from evergreen boughs, placed over a grave like a blanket. These displays can be as simple or as extravagant as desired. Remember to ask CemSites how to sell these pieces through your cemetery website directly with a click of a button!

Another suggestion to motivate community involvement while being mindful of social distancing is to host a holiday gathering, either in person or virtually. The predetermined limits on the number of people allowed in a space can help give peace of mind to visitors, so they know capacity limitations are being observed. Activities at these events can vary and even get the younger generations involved.

Get in the spirit with holiday crafts like this one! Tie genealogy into a scavenger hunt for the little ones and help them connect the dots of a family tree.

Lastly, for those cemeteries that feel they need to truly place some social distance at the forefront of holiday events, consider getting your community involved in a virtual charitable donation drive. These events often use social media such as Facebook Live, or others, to broadcast auctions and raffle them off to the winners. Depending on your cemetery’s needs, the proceeds can be donated to a charity or used to fund needed items for the cemetery. The possibilities for embracing the season of giving are endless. Despite the current restrictions we are facing, we can bring our communities together and celebrate the season with activities everyone can enjoy.

As always, CemSites has your back with all of your cemetery software needs. Our 24/7 CemCare Partner Support is up and running all throughout the holidays, too!

From all of us here at CemSites, have a happy holiday season and a safe and healthy new year!