Every year, the weeks during Christmas are marked by a tragic trend – a rise in the number of deaths.

That’s why it’s so important to not neglect planning a funeral in the event of a death in the family.

“Due to our many years of experience, we know just how important it is for people to feel as though every aspect of the funeral that they are planning is just right,” said James Waterman who owns Watermans Funeral Directors.

“We ensure that our team is attentive to all of their needs when talking about the funerals that we can offer.

“We strive to ensure that planning funerals is as stress free and as simple as it can be, especially during family holidays and the grief can be even more overwhelming.”

According to a recent study, the highest death rates are on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day with figures holding true for all age groups with the exception of children.

The reasons for this unusual spike in the number of deaths seem to differ.

Some are due to cancer or circulatory problems while other causes include stress, overindulgence or cold weather.

Other researchers suggest a reduced access to healthcare, short-staffed hospitals and people putting their health care on hold during the festive season as major contributors to the high number of deaths during Christmas.

Talking about death can be a sensitive subject for many to discuss. For others, it’s almost a taboo.

Some may feel fear, awkwardness and even embarrassment on opening up about dying.

But here’s why we should not shy away from the subject and instead embrace the inevitable.

“Dying and bereavement are subjects that many people find difficult to discuss, or even think about and that’s totally understandable,” continued James.

“But avoiding the subject is actually worse. Having the right funeral director on hand to take on those burdens that come with services and laying the deceased to rest is so important and should not be ignored.”

The modern world of services means that there are a range of different options for coffins, locations and styles of service. There is also an array of cost options.

There are different packages available at Watermans Funeral Directors.

The Bronze Package is available from £1,500 (pick up within office hours, caring for loved one, arrangement of funeral, bronze package coffin, professional fees, transfer to Watermans appointed Crematorium, non-attended funeral and disbursements).

From £2,900, there is The Silver Package (pickup within office hours, caring for loved one, arrangement of funeral, professional fees, use of chapel for time with loved one, choice of coffin from silver package, hearse to crematorium from family home and celebrant to conduct the service).

Then there’s The Gold Package from £3,500 (pickup within office hours, caring for loved one, arrangement of funeral, professional fees, use of chapel for time with loved one, choice of coffin from gold package, hearse and limousine to crematorium from family home, floral tribute and celebrant to conduct the service)

“While our affordable packages include a one-fee solution, there is also the option of a pre-paid funeral plans, which is an easy way to arrange and pay for your funeral, tailoring it to be as unique as you are,” added James.

To learn more about Watermans Funeral Directors, visit their official website by clicking here, telephone 01795 515570, email info@watermansfunerals.co.uk or simply pop in to see them at 40 High Street, ME10 4PB