Cremation Society of New Mexico

What is Cremation, and Why is it Becoming the New Normal?

Cremation is a dignified and eco-friendly way to bid farewell to a loved one, reducing the body to its basic elements through high-temperature burning. As the world shifts towards more sustainable and personalized funeral practices, cremation is increasingly becoming the preferred choice for many families.

With cremation, you can say goodbye to the environmental impact of traditional burials, which consume valuable land, resources, and energy. Instead, you can opt for a more intimate, flexible, and cost-effective way to honor your loved one's memory.

The Benefits of Cremation: A New Era of Funeral Practices

Cremation offers a range of benefits that are transforming the way we approach death and grief:

• Environmental Sustainability: Cremation reduces the carbon footprint of traditional burials, conserving land, water, and energy.
• Personalization: With cremation, you can choose from a variety of memorialization options, from scattering ashes in a special location to creating a customized urn or jewelry piece.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Cremation is often more affordable than traditional burials, allowing you to allocate resources to other meaningful ways to celebrate your loved one's life.
• Flexibility: Cremation provides the freedom to plan a memorial service or celebration of life at any time, allowing you to take the time you need to grieve and reflect.

The Cremation Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

While cremation may seem like a complex process, it's actually a straightforward and dignified way to care for your loved one:

1. Initial Arrangements: Our team will guide you through the initial arrangements, including obtaining necessary permits and paperwork.
2. Preparation: We will prepare your loved one for cremation, ensuring they are treated with respect and dignity throughout the process.
3. Cremation: The cremation process typically takes 2-3 hours, during which time the body is reduced to its basic elements.
4. Return of Ashes: We will return the ashes to you in an urn, allowing you to begin the memorialization process.

Memorialization Options: Celebrating Life and Legacy

Cremation opens up a world of possibilities for memorialization, allowing you to honor your loved one's memory in a way that feels authentic and meaningful:

• Scattering Ashes: Choose a special location that held significance to your loved one, such as a favorite park, beach, or mountain.
• Urn Selection: Select from a range of urns, from traditional to modern designs, to create a beautiful and lasting tribute.
• Cremation Jewelry: Create a custom piece of jewelry that holds a small portion of your loved one's ashes, serving as a tangible connection to their memory.
• Tree Planting: Plant a tree in memory of your loved one, symbolizing growth, renewal, and the cycle of life.

Frequently Asked Questions: Your Cremation Journey

Here are some frequently asked questions about cremation and the services we offer:

1. What happens to the ashes after cremation?

The ashes are returned to you in an urn, allowing you to begin the memorialization process.

2. Can I still have a traditional funeral service with cremation?

Absolutely. You can choose to have a traditional funeral service before or after the cremation process.

3. Is cremation more environmentally friendly than traditional burials?

Yes, cremation reduces the carbon footprint of traditional burials, conserving land, water, and energy.

4. Can I pre-plan my cremation arrangements?

Yes, pre-planning allows you to make informed decisions about your cremation arrangements and lock in costs at today's prices.

Resources and Community Support: Your Next Steps

As you navigate the cremation process, we're here to support you every step of the way:

• Grief Support: Our team is trained to provide emotional support and guidance throughout the grieving process.
• Community Resources: We can connect you with local support groups, counseling services, and other resources to help you cope with loss.
• Online Planning Tools: Our website offers a range of planning tools and resources to help you make informed decisions about your cremation arrangements.