Reflecting On Things That Matter. 

Anyone else cry their eyes out whilst watching Coco? Ok, just everyone. For me, everything about it is absolutely beautiful and definitely not only benefiting children. For those of you who haven't watched it… first of all, watch it, today! But to add some context to without DisneyPlus , it's all about celebrating the life of those you loved. Keeping their memory alive, honouring who they were and who you are. Our kind of celebration. With the Day of the Dead just around the

For generations, children have been shielded from funerals, and many people still assume they shouldn't attend until they're older. But that isn't a rule. It's only a habit. So is keeping them away really what's best for them? In my opinion, a celebration of life is exactly the place for them. Every family is different As with everything when it comes to celebrating a life, this comes down to personal preference and what each family feels is right. There is no rulebook. But a

For hundreds of years, we've mourned in much the same way, without really asking why. Loved ones stand up and pour their hearts out about a remarkable life. Then everyone shuffles off for a quiet drink and a sandwich, with no music and no trace of the person's personality. To me, and to so many people I've spoken to, it just doesn't make sense. So why do we keep doing it? And, more importantly, is it finally starting to change? The good news is: yes, it is. How did we end up

The UK funeral industry is changing fast. When David Bowie died in 2016, he chose a direct cremation with no funeral at all, and in doing so showed that there's no single right way to say goodbye. Since the pandemic, more and more families have followed his lead. So here's my advice: make your own rules. Why do we all do it the same way? As a nation, we seem programmed to do things a certain way when someone dies. We're not entirely sure why. We just do. And when you're in su

We pour months of joy, energy and money into a wedding: one day about two people, and a marriage that, however much we hope it lasts forever, comes with no guarantees. Yet when someone dies after a lifetime of moments, achievements, kindness and love that touched hundreds of people, we hold a quiet hour and go home. It doesn’t quite make sense. Why? And shouldn't we flip the script, and put more into celebrating an entire lifetime than a potential flash in the pan? Are we de

Here in the UK, we tend to say goodbye quietly. A short service, a cup of tea, a sandwich, and home. But travel a little further afield and you'll find cultures that do things very differently: with music, dancing, colour, food and the whole community turning out to celebrate. We've already explored Mexico's Day of the Dead, with its marigolds, sugar skulls and family altars. So this time, we're taking a trip around the world to five more traditions that celebrate death, and