Inviting the blue and finding peace.
Christmas appears at first, or so it seems, in row upon row of greeting cards. I glance at them, then look away and blink back tears after seeing just one word—Sister.
The hustle and bustle—the craft sales and store shelves lined with gifts and goodies, the gatherings and concerts and glittering decorations—can be overwhelming when you’re feeling blue or missing loved ones. I’ve often sought the comfort of Christmas lights in the downtown core as I sip my ginger tea.
I miss loved ones … I miss their voices, the thoughtful conversations and the laughter. I love blue, which in any other season is a colour that feels tranquil. It’s just a colour, I tell myself. But I know it’s more.
The blue whispers, at first, then grows more insistent as the noise of Christmas tries to drown it out. It refuses to be silenced; and it shouldn’t be. It should be invited.
As the years have passed, I have discovered ways of welcoming the blue feelings—gift giving, lighting a candle, writing prose, wearing dad’s scarf, sharing tears and laughter and well-timed hugs, baking meringues for gifts as my mother did, and sending cards and visiting places of quiet reflection.
The Old Log Church is one of those places, with its history and artifacts that tell of an era with simpler times; and the old-world ornaments that wait patiently, sparkling on the white shelves in an alcove. Chairs are arranged for quiet conversation, and the old church pews beckon you to sit awhile with a coffee and a shortbread cookie.
Blue feelings may find respite in sacred places and gentle gatherings, or in the comfort of home. Last year I slipped quietly into a Blue Christmas service—alone—and discovered I was not alone. And in the quiet dark, our white tree glows with the colours of Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night, honouring my sister.
This holiday season, make time for whatever feels helpful. Take each day as it comes. Share the blue feelings, or hold them close. Whatever you choose in this season of starry nights, I wish you love, hope and peace.
On Dec. 11 at 7 p.m., the Whitehorse United Church, at 601 Main St. welcomes everyone to their Blue Christmas service, to an atmosphere of peace and quiet reflection where candlelight and soft music and blessings are shared in the spirit of healing and hope.On Saturday, Dec. 20 at 2 p.m. Riverdale Baptist Church, at 15 Duke Rd., invites you to come to their Blue Christmas, a service Reverend Michelle Porco says is “shaped for those who might be experiencing grief or sorrow or loss” and is “a safe space for people to be with their sorrow and grief.”
