WJ O’Donnell & Sons to host “The Meaning of Christmas” remembrance evening in Ballymena

WJ O’Donnell & Sons Funeral Directors have announced a special community event, “The Meaning of Christmas”, which will take place on Sunday 7th December 2025 at 7pm in their Ballymena funeral home (41–43 Mount Street, BT43 6BW).

The gathering, open to everyone in the community, is intended to provide a space of peace, reflection, and comfort for anyone who finds the festive season difficult after the loss of a loved one.

All voluntary proceeds will be donated to Cruse Bereavement Support, a charity offering essential help to individuals and families coping with grief.

A Gentle Space to Remember

The funeral home of WJ O’Donnell & Sons Funeral Directors on Mount Street, Ballymena

In announcing the event, WJ O’Donnell & Sons acknowledged the emotional challenges many face at Christmas.

The funeral directors said:

“This season can be a difficult one. The empty chair at the table, the quiet moments, and the memories that rise without warning all remind us of the people we miss dearly. Our aim on this evening is simple: to offer a calm, gentle space to remember our loved ones and to feel the support of our community around everyone.”

The evening will feature music from Una Magill, The Gribben Girls and Kathy McKeagney & Friends, offering a comforting atmosphere for reflection. Light refreshments will also be available for those who wish to stay for tea and conversation.

A Personal Invitation to the Community

Willie John O’Donnell

Willie John O’Donnell, of WJ O’Donnell & Sons Funeral Directors, extended a heartfelt invitation to families across Ballymena and beyond. In his message, he wrote:

“Dear Families, as Christmas draws near, I want to personally invite you to ‘The True Meaning of Christmas’, our annual evening of remembrance, taking place on Sunday 7th December 2025 at 7:00pm in our funeral home at 41–43 Mount Street, Ballymena.

“This season can be a difficult one. The empty chair at the table, the quiet moments, and the memories that rise without warning all remind us of the people we miss dearly. Our aim on this evening is simple: to offer a calm, gentle space to remember your loved ones and to feel the support of your community around you.

“We will have beautiful music from Una Magill, The Gribben Girls and Kathy McKeagney & Friends, along with light refreshments for anyone who would like to stay for a cup of tea and a conversation. You are welcome to attend with family, with friends, or on your own.

“As a family funeral director, we have always believed that our care does not end at the funeral. Whether your loss is recent or many years past, please know you remain very much in our thoughts. We don’t forget about the families we serve — and we never will.

“This year, all proceeds from the evening will be donated to Cruse Bereavement Support, a charity offering essential help to individuals and families coping with grief. If you wish to contribute, donations can be made discreetly on the night or via our JustGiving page.

“Your support, in any amount, is deeply appreciated and will make a meaningful difference to those who need it most.

“I would be honoured to have you with us as we pause, reflect, and remember together.”

The event reinforces WJ O’Donnell & Sons’ long-standing commitment to providing guidance, dignity and respect to the families they support—not only at the time of a funeral, but long afterwards.

You can make donations in support of this event via the secure, dedicated online JustGiving page by tapping here.

Further bereavement guidance can be found at:

www.nifunerals.com/bereavement-advice

Support from Cruse Bereavement: www.cruse.org.uk