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As a kid, Christmas was always hard for me and I never knew why. There was no particular reason that I could identify; it just felt like a sad time. When I was in my twenties I found I envied people who had jobs that required them to work on Christmas. Seemed like it would be a great way to get out of the holiday blues. Ironically enough, 30 years later, I'm a clergy person and spend the entire month of December helping others through this dark season and getting ready for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services. One service that is especially meaningful to me and to lots of others is the "Longest Night" service we do every year around the solstice, to honor people who are grieving or depressed this time of year, perhaps because Christmas reminds them of a particular loss, or for no specific reason. I call it "Christmas in a minor key," for people who want to observe the holiday but aren't feeling particularly joyful. Lots of churches have these services; interested listeners should google "Longest Night Service" or "Blue Mass" to find one in their area. 

posted 2 years, 5 months ago
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Many churches offer "Longest Night" or "Blue Mass" services at Christmas. Church is not for everyone, but these services are explicitly designed for people in your situation. 

posted 2 years, 5 months ago
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