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You are probably familiar with Elvis Presley’s song Blue Christmas. If not, here is a snippet: I’ll have a blue Christmas without you I’ll be so blue just thinking about you Decorations of red on a green Christmas tree Won’t be the same, dear, if you’re not here with me. Holiday blues are not just something found in a song, though. Because we emphasize family and tradition this time of year, any relationship losses can make the holidays blue. Gatherings can sometimes remind us of the people we have lost, of the things that have changed. I would imagine that most homes have been affected by losses in the past two years. Both COVID-19 and politics have increasingly separated family and friends. Even people who have not experienced significant losses like deaths or divorces can be blue because they don’t experience the “Magic of Christmas” like they did when they were younger. Stress over being confined to a house or around a table with family members perceived as judgmental or condemning can also give us the blues. Is it possible to survive and maybe enjoy yourself instead of hiding away for the next couple of months? Yes! Let’s realize that people can get stuck in sadness because they stay in the loss. We are certainly allowed to grieve, but we can move forward. And moving forward means that things are going to look different. Losses and changes are hard, whether it be death in the family, broken relationships, or changing seasons. Even good things can cause grief. For instance, moving to a new place or having children move out are exciting times. However, they can bring with them loneliness and disappointment. So grieve what is lost, but at the same time, start to build new traditions or celebrate old ones in a new way. Plan a trip. Go somewhere new. You may not be able to visit family or friends who have passed on or have moved, so start a new tradition! Collect lost people and invite them into your home! Coworkers, church members, the lady down the street. Honor those who are gone in a new way. Talk about happy memories. Honor them for the life they brought and the life they lived.
Don’t be afraid to enjoy the happy moments. And when Blue Christmas comes on, it’s okay to cry along. Restore to me the joy of your salvation,and uphold me with a willing spirit.Psalm 51:13
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