Blue Christmas

One reference to 'Blue Christmas' is that for some Christmas is a lonely, depressing, "blue" time. Christmas can be 'blue' for those people who are grieving the loss of loved ones or other losses or for those who are all alone when others are partying and gathering with family members. Some pastors concerned for those who find it difficult to "celebrate" at this time of year have developed various "Blue Christmas Services" for these people.

The constant refrain on radio and television, in shopping malls and churches, about the happiness of the Christmas Season, about getting together with family and friends, reminds many people of what they have lost or have never had. The anguish of broken relationships, the insecurity of unemployment, the weariness of ill health, the pain of isolation, the gut wrenching loss of a child, the loneliness of no longer having a beloved spouse to share each day, the loss of a dear family pet - all these can contribute to a feeling of being alone, of 'feeling blue' in the midst of the society around us which seems bent on 'being happy' and 'celebrating'. It's at such times that we need to make the space and take the time to acknowledge our sadness and concern. The churches offer the 'Blue Christmas' service to help these people and offer them some empathy.

Then there is the song 'Blue Christmas'...

I'll have a Blue Christmas without you
I'll be so blue thinking about you
Decorations of red on a green Christmas tree
Won't mean a thing if you're not here with me.

I'll have a Blue Christmas that's certain
And when that blue heartache starts hurtin'
You'll be doin' all right, with your Christmas of white
But I'll have a blue, blue Christmas.