But for some folks, Christmas is not a very happy time of year, and it’s because they are separated from loved ones by death, distance, and/or estrangement. The Christmas season brings back memories of spending the holidays with that loved one or loved ones and the pain of the realization that they will no longer be able to see that loved one may be too much to bear.
The song “Blue Christmas” was written in 1948, and the most well-known version of “Blue Christmas” was recorded by Elvis Presley on Elvis’ Christmas Album. In the 1974 Rankin/Bass special The Year Without a Santa Claus, the children poignantly sing “Blue Christmas” to Santa after he announces he’s taking a year off from delivering toys. The lyrics to “Blue Christmas” perfectly express the feelings of those who are missing their loved ones.
Sometimes the blue Christmas feelings hit you when you least expect it. One night, the husband and I were watching a Hallmark Christmas movie. The last song played in the movie was “There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays,” and I suddenly had the realization that my estranged loved one was not coming home for this Christmas holiday and would likely never come home for any Christmas holiday ever again. I had to go to my bedroom and weep for a while.
So what should you do when the blue Christmas feelings hit you? Go ahead and find somewhere to grieve for a while. It’s okay to do this; remember, Jesus wept over Lazarus when he died. However, if the sad feelings go on for more than a few days, you may need to obtain professional help. I have noticed that I get more emotional whenever I’m exhausted. If this is the case for you too, make sure your schedule is not too busy and that you get enough rest. If certain items or situations remind you of your missing loved one, try to avoid those if you can.
Some churches have blue Christmas services on December 21, the longest night of the year. These services recognize the grief and pain that people go through at Christmastime in a religious setting. Being with others going through blue Christmases too may help you get through it.
The most important way to help get through a blue Christmas is to focus on the reason for the Christmas season – the birth of Jesus Christ, who came to Earth to die on the cross to save us from our sins. Read the Christmas story carefully and reflect on everyone involved in the story – Mary, Joseph, the baby Jesus, the shepherds, and the angels. If you believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, He will always be with you even when others are not. He will never leave you.
Please accept my best wishes for a happy and blessed Christmas!
Diane
