If you’re feeling down this holiday season then this may be the place to be that day.
The Blue Christmas service takes place at at Grace United Church on Thursday, Dec. 20 starting at 6:45 p.m.
Sometimes called a Longest Night service, Blue Christmas services are designed around the needs of those who find it difficult to feel joyful at the holiday time.
Grace United's Rev. Susan Eagle tells BarrieToday that these are not the loud and celebratory service that one dealing with depression may want to shy away from and it is here to help those who need it.
“We’ve been doing this a number of years for people who may not be looking forward to Christmas as joyful occasion,” Eagle said. “There are many reasons for that, it may be that they have been through a personal calamity, it might be related to lost relationships or might even be that they are facing unemployment. But whatever it is, they may not be looking forward to the season with great cheer and joy and we want to have them here to be with other people and have at least some comfort.”
Whether it’s called having a blue Christmas or suffering from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), millions if people become depressed at this time of year, during the colder and darker months, and when you add the stress that sometimes comes with the holiday season it can be overwhelming.
The world-famous Mayo Clinic says some signs of depression and SAD are oversleeping, appetite changes, which are usually a craving for foods high in carbohydrates, weight gain and tiredness or low energy.
Last year’s event had approximately 25 to 30 people for the quiet and reflective service that afterwards includes some food and mingling if you feel up to it.
Eagle wants people in the city to know that it is understandable to be upset this time of year and the Blue Christmas service will be here for those who need it and not be an event that is designed to push joy on to you but rather just listen and be there.
“The essence of church is to be where people are and if we are to follow a Jesus who talked about good news for the poor and liberty for the oppressed, we’re talking about not just celebrating what we have but standing with those who do not have,” said Eagle. “It might be material benefits they don’t have bit it might also be emotional and spiritual benefits they don’t have and desperately need.”
Grace United Church is located at 350 Grove St. E.
