NOT everyone can share in the merriment of Christmas and New Year’s, but it is comforting to know that there is a place for everyone, with a ‘Blue Christmas Service’ offered at Karuah Uniting Church Hall on Thursday, 7 December, from 10am.

“Christmas is not always a happy time for many people, it’s hard being swept up in the hype of Christmas when you are grieving or re-living unhappy Christmas memories,” Helenna Anderson, the Service convenor, told NOTA.

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Not strictly a religious service, Blue Christmas is a time for people who maybe do not feel the Christmas spirit, or are grieving, to come together to share.

“This is a time to acknowledge the pain and hurt that someone might feel at Christmas, and to share with others the different feelings that this time of the year can elicit,” Ms Anderson explained.

“People can acknowledge that it’s okay to feel the way they feel at Christmas, and we’d like to have a service that is focused on them,” said Ms Anderson, experienced in similar services around the Hunter region, though this is a first for the Myall Coast area.

“We sensed there is a need for people to acknowledge their grief and loss at this time, and this is an opportunity for quiet reflection, allowing people the chance for a ritual to get some of their hurt and pain out into the open and acknowledge their pain, grief, or loss.

“It can also be a helpful preparation for the rest of what Christmas throws at us, the parties, etc.”

There will be a morning tea afterwards, with all welcome to stay and share.

Helenna and Lee Clayton run the ‘Living Through Grief’ group, meeting every second Friday at Karuah RSL, the next being 8 December.

“The people who come have found real benefit from being in a safe, comfortable space where they can share their issues around grieving.

“Often, talking to family and neighbours is not always the most comfortable way forward.”

By Thomas O’KEEFE