Seymour, Indiana, USA

Christmastide Graveside:  Despite what you might think, the Twelve Days of Christmas aren't the ones leading up to Christmas; they are the twelve days beginning with Christmas. This is the day of the Five Golden Rings. At this grave, though, the rings are red. And, despite what you may think about the poinsettia's red rings, they are not petals, but leaves. Riverview Cemetery. [2017]

Erlanger, Kentucky

Christmastide Graveside:  Believe it or not, the twelve days of Christmas began on Christmas Day. The season is called Christmastide and it carries us into the new year. Now, a few days after the holiday, the decorations linger, as they might for a another month or so. In this case, a still-mourning family's Christmas tree is short two balls, and an elf seems to be visiting the grave. See his hat and shoes? Forest Lawn Memorial Park. [2017]

Fort Walton Beach, Florida

Christmastide Graveside:  Believe it or not, the twelve days of Christmas begin now, on Christmas Day. Here's someone who was born on the first day of Christmastide, December 25. Today would have been his 37th birthday. That's two reasons to be missed at this time of year. And, that may be why his little plot of land has been turned into a holiday wonderland. You can't miss it. And, you just know he is still "looking down from the clouds" and still loves the little girl he left behind. Beal Memorial Cemetery. [2017]

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Focus on Albuquerque's Balloon Fiesta Siesta:  Has the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta been one of the high points of your life? Why not tell everybody about it by choosing to be buried in the Balloon Fiesta Garden. Sound like a sales pitch? That's what cemeteries these days are all about! Fairview Cemetery. [2017]

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Focus on Albuquerque's Balloon Fiesta Siesta:  These balloons aren't likely to get airborne. They are made of granite after all! In your imagination, though, they can soar! And, carry your spirit into the heavens. Better buy a niche here in the Balloon Fiesta Garden before they're all gone. Fairview Cemetery. [2017]

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Focus on Albuquerque's Balloon Fiesta Siesta:  Have you lived in New Mexico your whole life? Have you seen the hot-air balloons drifting overhead all year? Have you been a regular at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta? Then, this might be the final resting place for you: the Balloon Fiesta Garden. You will have to be cremated, though. Fairview Cemetery. [2017]

Roswell, New Mexico

Birthday Balloons:  He survived childhood and adolescence, but the third decade did him in. His family was grief stricken and still mourns. His birthday party has been moved to the cemetery, and birthday wishes have been sent heavenward on a Mylar balloon. Happy Birthday, Number 1! South Park Cemetery. [2016]

Beckley, West Virginia

Birthday Balloons:  God's angels come for him the day he was born. The only birthday he had was the real one. You know, were he with us today, he would be loving his cars, and watching the movie, too! Happy Birthday, champ! Greenwood Memorial Park. [2014]

Jefferson City, Missouri

Birthday Balloons:  He may be gone, but there is no reason to stop celebrating his birthday. Now, however, the decorations must be moved grave side. Happy birthday, kid! Hawthorn Memorial Gardens. [2015]

Lyndon Center, Vermont

Balloon Rides to Heaven:  Take one last look at at the lake before you go where that airplane can't take you. Up, up, and away: beyond the clouds. With a little lift from the angels circling that balloon, you are about ready to exchange the Northeast Kingdom for the Heavenly Kingdom. Lyndon Center Cemetery. [2009]

Port Republic, New Jersey

Balloon Rides to Heaven:  The angels must have been singing and playing their harps when he took that last balloon ride to the heaven. What hymn do you think would best fit the circumstances? St. Paul's United Methodist Church. [2015]

Cortland, New York

Balloon Rides to Heaven:  Why not go out with a little flare and fashion. Let your spirit depart this earth in a hot air balloon: up above the birds you rise, up above the sun. Take one last look at what your are leaving behind: Next stop is paradise! Cortland Rural Cemetery. [2017]

Siler City, North Carolina

One True Love ~ The Family Farm:  The scene is set, but the names have yet to be added. Visit a monument company and you will have your choice of copy art, some of which you will identify with and some of which you won't. Perhaps an agricultural landscape is for you. No matter what the real farm looked like, this rendition of a generic farmstead might appeal to anyone who lived out their days farming the land. It may not have been their farm, but it was a farm. As for the couple: It may not have been them, but at least it's a couple! Chatham Monument Company. [2005]