Episode 12: Creative Celebrations for End of Life

Would you consider hiring an event planner for an end of life gathering?   We all know about the traditional funeral service or celebration of life, and there is varying opinion about whether these gatherings are a necessary act of mourning and remembrance.  No matter what you call it, funeral service, celebration of life, end of life gathering or a barbeque – experiences tell us these gatherings DO matter.  Through her work as an Event Planner specializing in End-of-Life gatherings, Christina Andreola shows us how we CAN create a gathering that truly reflects the life and essence of our dead loved one.  By taking a traditional concept and reinventing it in ways that are extremely personal and relevant for the person being remembered, there is so much more room to be present for the gathering, for remembrance, to hear stories shared, and to move onward without any uncertainty or regret about how we did – or didn’t honoured our loved one.  Christina shares how her work is making a profound difference for families, loved ones, and all who attend the gatherings; and each one has a profound impact on Christina too.  Christina says the legacy of every person she’s done an event for is carried forward to the next client she works with, as she helps you to open the door even wider to what is possible.  Where does she begin?  with a blank notebook and an open mind – where anything is possible, from a life size cut out, broadway musical headlines, playbook playlists, garden parties or a small intimate dinner experience.  Anything is possible with a blank notebook and an open mind.  ABOUT CHRISTINA ANDREOLA:  Christina Andreola is the founder of New Narrative Events, an event planning company that specializes in helping groups with the logistics surrounding the visioning and planning for a celebration of life event. Founded in 2017, New Narrative is the first event planning company of its kind in Canada to focus solely on these meaningful legacy experiences.    During the pandemic, Christina quickly pivoted the business to planning and facilitating virtual and hybrid memorial services, connecting family and friends no matter where they are in the world. With over five hundred events planned, New Narrative’s mission is to take care of the details so families can take care of each other.  You can learn more about Christina and contact her here:  www.newnarrativeevents.com  and  www.planacelebrationoflife.com  for her course Plan a Celebration of Life     LEARN ABOUT DEATH DOULA NETWORK INTERNATIONAL  Contact us at [email protected] for any feedback or suggestions on podcast guests or topics.    Music provided by Dee Flat and the Benz, used with permission.