Winter poses unique challenges when it comes to the permanent disposition of a late loved one. While you’ll typically find that most people choose burial during the summer and fall, plenty of people opt for cremation services in Laredo, TX, instead in winter. 

After all, dealing with snow and freezing rain is easier when you don’t have to worry about digging a grave. 

Notwithstanding, working with an efficient funeral provider means your options for caring for a loved one’s body aren’t limited to just one, even in the coldest winter months. 

Generally, you have three options: 

1. Cremation 

Cremation is a great option for the winter months. Many people choose cremation because it’s less expensive than burial, but it’s also an excellent choice if you’re worried about having to deal with frozen ground. 

Cremation doesn’t require digging a grave or embalming the body, so you can arrange for one as soon as needed. In addition, the body is contained in an enclosed chamber throughout the cremation process, so there are no outside elements to worry about as such. 

Cremated remains are returned to their loved ones in one of two ways: 

- The ashes are placed inside an urn and returned to their loved ones. 

- The ashes are scattered in a designated area, such as a sentimental park or beach. 

Suppose you’re interested in burying your loved one’s cremated remains. You can always wait at no extra cost of preserving the ashes. You may also plan a memorial service or ash disposition for a later date when the weather conditions are more favorable. 

2. Burial 

Winter burial, though no longer impossible, can be more complex to plan. If the ground is frozen, you’ll need to dig a hole with a backhoe or similar machine and then use a device called an “interceptor” to help prevent the body from thawing out. 

If you’re worried about dealing with frozen ground, you may want to work with a funeral home. Or, consider cremation instead of a traditional burial. 

If you do choose burial, several things can be done to make it easier for everyone. You may want to hold off on arranging a funeral or memorial service until the weather conditions are more optimal. 

When it does come time for the actual burial, it’s important that you take every precaution possible. For example, digging down at least two feet before placing any casketed remains inside the grave. 

Also, keeping the graveside or any outdoor service on the shorter side, as well as preparing for a possible lower-than-average turnout as it gets icier. 

3. Storage 

If you’re worried about the weather conditions, you may consider moving the body to a mortuary or funeral home that offers cold storage until they improve. 

You can also choose to have the casket of a buried loved one placed in a vault or mausoleum. Casket vaults prevent groundwater from seeping into the grave. Some cemeteries also offer vaults for above-ground burials to protect against ground shifting and other problems that could occur during a long winter. 

Cremation, on the other hand, can preclude burial and its associated costs altogether. Still, a choice this significant is subject to other determining factors, from cultural to personal. 

Whichever way you decide, our Laredo, TX, cremation service is a full funeral outfit equipped to handle it as seamlessly as possible. Drop by or call us today for immediate assistance or to plan pre-need.