Blue Christmas

People often struggle in silence through difficult circumstances, disappointments, and loss. This time of year can be especially difficult for many people. "Silent Night" can become the mantra during the holiday season for covering our hurts, our pain and our mourning. Christmas seems to highlight the hurts for many of us. We see pictures of perfect families decking the halls and days and activities filled with merriment. For many of us, this season can make us feel more isolated and more alone.

You are not alone. There are others struggling in the season. There are people dealing with grief, loss of loved ones, separation from children, disappointments in life circumstances and heartache of what should or could have been. Holiday activities should include reminders that we are not alone. If we look beyond the festivities and warm fuzzy feelings of Christmas we can catch a glimpse of the Hope of the world coming without fanfare on a silent and holy night. Seek that Hope this holiday season.

If you need to be comforted or to acknowledge this is a difficult season, I encourage you to find a Blue Christmas service near you. These services exist in many communities to give people the chance to mourn, lament, remember and reflect. They are often held on the longest night of the year -- December 21. This Christmas I hope you find encouragement and comfort. I wish you joy and peace, and I wish to remind you, during this season, you are not alone.

-Mindy Muller, CFRE, President/CEO of CDP

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