creative ceremonies

“Creativity in the time of COVID-19” is one of the ways 2020 will be remembered. Celebrating and honoring important moments in life is a universal need, and many traditions have grown up around that need. We honor the birth of a child, a couple joining in marriage, and the death of a loved one. All of the ceremonies, celebrations and memorials that help us recognize those important moments in life are being turned upside down due to the pandemic ravaging our country right now.

Even in the midst of the limitations on gatherings and stay at home orders we’re living under in Minnesota, people are exercising their creativity in the time of COVID-19. You may have heard of using technology like Zoom or Facetime to allow guests to participate in weddings and memorial services. With these tools your loved ones are able to view and hear the ceremonies of celebration and remembrance from the safety of their own homes.

Some people have found other ways to modify traditions to fit current restrictions. There is a story about a funeral home offering drive by visitation, complete with flowers and a box for cards. The final line of this article mentions that there will be a celebration of life planned when we are able to gather again.

Family and friends are finding ways to honor couples choosing to keep their wedding dates, too. This example of healthcare workers taking time to celebrate with a colleague and make their day a bit more special is especially touching knowing the stress and workload the workers are experiencing.

I encourage anyone facing the challenges of a wedding, welcoming or memorial service to exercise your own creativity in the time of COVID-19 and make plans to recognize your milestones as best you can during these difficult times. Remember that there will be opportunities for receptions, memorial services and gatherings of all kinds in the future. They will be even more significant when we can gather with friends and loved ones to recognize the milestone moments in our lives.