One of the beliefs that underpin the Lamb & Hayward philosophy is that our relationship with client families doesn’t start and finish at the funeral service.

We believe that by delivering ongoing support and giving back to the community, we create sustainable and meaningful relationships; and by doing so making our hometown of Christchurch a better place.

Our ‘Christmas to Remember’ services are just one of the ways in which we reconnect with families as well as offering comfort and support to others. A special time to reflect, at this busy time of year, on those who no longer share Christmas with us.

Held at all three of our chapels on consecutive evenings in early December, we attracted large numbers this year, with over 300 gathering at the Westpark Chapel.

The magic of Christmas was captured with the beautiful tree at the front of the chapel along with live piano music. With absolute sensitivity the ceremony delivered an eclectic mix of emotions; candles were lit, messages were written on angels and then hung on the tree, we joined in with singing carols, and even had a few laughs, before the formalities ended with soloist Jennine Bailey singing Ave Maria.

The evening was concluded with coffee and Christmas cake, a time for soaking up the convivial atmosphere, for enjoying the company of others or maybe sharing a kindly word with someone who may be feeling vulnerable.

And of course no Christmas event is complete without a present, and this year our parting gift was a glowstick reflecting the message that “sometimes you have to break before you shine”.

These annual events are Lamb & Hayward’s way of saying that we care, we offer you our ongoing support and we understand that it’s not easy when there’s an empty chair at the Christmas table.

If you joined us for ‘Christmas to Remember’ this year we hope to see you again at our outdoor Memorial Service at Otukaikino in February.