Most people focus on big items like wills, beneficiaries, and funeral arrangements. However, there are fun and relatively insignificant details that are often forgotten but can make a meaningful difference for your loved ones or simply add a personal touch. Here are some of those smaller, often-overlooked things to consider:
1. Favorite Songs or Playlist for the Memorial
- Use the FamilySafeBox “MyStory” Box:: People often forget to mention specific music they’d like played at their memorial or funeral service. You could make a playlist of your favorite songs or meaningful tracks, adding a personal touch to the service. It could be anything from your favorite jazz tunes, nostalgic hits, or even songs with inside jokes for family and friends.
2. Social Media Accounts and Final Messages
- Use the FamilySafeBox “Accounts & Passwords” Box:: Decide how you want your social media profiles to be handled (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn). Would you like them to be memorialized, deleted, or left as they are? You can also write a final post that someone can publish on your behalf, thanking people or offering a final farewell.
- Do you have a photo or funny story you’d want posted in remembrance? This can add humor or sentiment to your passing.
3. Personal Belongings with Sentimental Value
- Use the FamilySafeBox “Instructions” Box:: Small, often inexpensive items can have deep emotional value. Maybe you have a favorite mug, hat, or quirky collection that your loved ones would appreciate receiving as a memento. Consider leaving instructions on who gets these little treasures and why they were important to you.
4. Your Quirky Traditions
- Use the FamilySafeBox “MyStory” Box:: If you had any fun, quirky family traditions (e.g., always making pancakes on Sunday mornings or watching a certain movie at the holidays), leave instructions for someone to carry them on. It’s a small way to keep your spirit alive and bring joy to your family after you’re gone.
5. Favorite Recipes
- Use the FamilySafeBox “MyStory” Box:: Is there a particular dish that everyone loves when you make it? Write down the recipe and consider leaving it for your family. You can even create a small “family cookbook” that includes your favorite meals and any secret ingredients that you’ve never shared.
6. A “Surprise” or Hidden Notes
- Use the FamilySafeBox “Love Notes” Box:: Consider leaving hidden notes or a surprise for your loved ones to discover later. It could be a note tucked inside a book, a message in a photo album, or a funny note in the cookie jar. These little surprises can bring comfort or joy when found unexpectedly.
7. Your Obituary or Eulogy
- Use the FamilySafeBox “Instructions” Box:: Many people forget to write a draft of their obituary or eulogy. While your loved ones will usually write this, it can be fun to prepare a version from your own perspective—adding your humor, quirks, and how you’d like to be remembered. Some people even write funny or self-deprecating obituaries that lighten the mood.
8. Pet Care Instructions
- Use the FamilySafeBox “Pets” Box:: If you have pets, it’s important to make sure they’re cared for, but what about the fun details of their care? Maybe your dog has a favorite toy or routine, or your cat loves a certain treat. These personal details can make your pet’s transition to a new home easier and ensure they still feel your love.
9. Preferred Comfort Items or Clothing for the Service
- Use the FamilySafeBox “Instructions” Box:: You may not care about formal funeral attire. Consider leaving instructions for something unique or comfortableto wear (e.g., your favorite cozy sweater or t-shirt from a beloved concert). Some people opt for themed attire or even ask guests to dress in a way that reflects their interests (e.g., Hawaiian shirts or sports jerseys).
10. Funny or Heartwarming Memories
- Use the FamilySafeBox “My Story” Box:: Leave a list of funny stories or heartwarming memories you’d like shared during your service. It can lighten the mood, give people a good laugh, and remind them of the joy you brought to their lives.
11. Small Acts of Kindness
- Use the FamilySafeBox “Instructions” Box:: Consider leaving instructions for small acts of kindness in your memory. For example:
- Buy coffee for someone in line behind you at the drive-thru.
- Leave a surprise tip for a waiter or waitress.
- Donate to a small charity or cause that mattered to you.
These can be written into your instructions as ways for your loved ones to honor you in small, positive ways.
12. Final Prank or Inside Joke
- Use the FamilySafeBox “Instructions” Box:: If you have a sense of humor, consider leaving a funny final request or prank that could make your loved ones laugh in the midst of their grief. For example, you could leave instructions for playing an unexpected song during your service (like the theme song to a favorite TV show or a silly tune), or leave a note saying, “I told you I was sick!” on your gravestone.
13. Instructions for Dealing with Odd Collections
- Use the FamilySafeBox “Instructions” Box:: Do you have any odd collections (like a drawer full of rubber bands, quirky memorabilia, or piles of takeout menus)? Give your loved ones instructions on what to do with them. You could ask them to share the collection, donate it, or even give it as a funny gift to a specific person.
14. Personalized Farewell Gifts
- Use the FamilySafeBox “Instructions” Box:: Leave small, personalized farewell gifts for your closest friends or family. These could be handwritten notes, framed photos, or a small token that reminds them of a special memory you shared. Some people even leave behind a little care package, like a favorite book or a small memento, as a comforting gesture.
15. Instructions for Digital Assets
- Use the FamilySafeBox “Instructions” and/or the “Accounts & Passwords” Box:: Decide what you want done with your digital photos, playlists, emails, and online files. Maybe you’d like someone to create a slideshow of your favorite memories or save a special photo album. You can also leave a final email draft to be sent to friends and family, offering a heartfelt goodbye.
Why Consider These Fun and Small Details?
While some of these items may seem insignificant, they can bring a sense of comfort, joy, and connection to your loved ones after you’re gone. Personalizing your end-of-life plans with these lighthearted or unique touches ensures that your personality and spirit are celebrated, even in difficult times.
These fun and creative details can also help lighten the mood for your loved ones and make them smile when they think of you.