SANTA MONICA—The Santa Monica’s Woodlawn Cemetery, Mortuary, and Mausoleum hosted the “Tree of Life and Holiday Open House” event on Friday, December 2, to honor lost loved ones.
The event included a performance by The John Adams Middle School Choir, the screening of a holiday movie, the option to take photos with Santa Claus, light refreshments, and also held an ugly holiday sweater contest.
Participants were welcome to join in decorating a holiday ornament to pay respects to those who have passed away, and hang the ornaments on the 11-foot Tree Of Life. Ornaments and decorative supplies were provided, and those who participated brought in small photos to use for their design.
There was also an “In Memoriam” slideshow that contained photos and short messages written and submitted to the Woodlawn Cemetery, which played the series of submissions during the holiday party.
Woodlawn Cemetery is located at 1847 14th Street in Santa Monica and is owned and operated by the city. It houses the burials of some well-known names such as: Leo Carrillo, artist Hugo Ballin, actor Charles Bickford, and Jay Belasco.
The cemetery offers a “Living History Tour,” during the spring where visitors can be shown around the grounds and learn about those who are buried there and ways they contributed to society. Other events taking place throughout the year include the Dia De Los Muertos celebration in mid-fall, and an annual Memorial Day Observance.
Woodlawn Cemetery is an official drop-off spot for “Toys for Tots,” which will be available to accept donations until Sunday, December 18.
