Have you ever felt blue or had depression during the holidays? It’s not uncommon and you are not alone! A Longest Night service / Blue Christmas Service may be the safe space you’re looking for this Christmas season.
What is a Longest Night Service?
The Longest Night Service marks the winter solstice, the day with the fewest hours of daylight. It is also the longest night of the year.
What is a Blue Christmas Service?
A Blue Christmas service is usually held around Christmas, December 20-21st each year. It is called a Blue Christmas because many people who deal with anxiety or depression, grief or loneliness find the cheer and noise of the holidays oppressive. They can become depressed or feel blue. These two services provide a quiet place, a calm and centering space, to unplug from technology. People participating find themselves stepping away from the frenzy of the holidays season and all the pressures that come with it.
Churches that offer these services help people put aside the holiday tension for a little while. Gentle music and candles are reminders that darkness cannot put out the light
Being with others at a quiet service is a reminder that you are not alone.
If you don’t want to go to a service, you can have a reflective time with others you choose to be with. Providing gentle music and a candle may be a soothing and comforting respite from the stress of the holidays.
Dr. Ken Duckworth, medical director for NAMI, has tips for managing the holiday blues on this video.
If you have some uplifting Holiday Depression Quotes, leave them in the comments below!
