Billboard’s staff picks for the 100 best Christmas songs places Elvis Presley’s “Blue Christmas” at No. 12.
The 1957 hit reflects on how a person feels without their loved one around for the holiday. Such feelings continue to be a reality for many people in current times.
Area organizations are here to remind the community that their feelings, no matter what they might be, are both acceptable and normal.
“People feel compelled by our culture that they have to enjoy the holidays and that they have to be merry and bright,” said Nikki Morey, a lay leader at Collingwood Presbyterian Church. “But it isn’t merry and bright for a lot of people, for a lot of different reasons, whether it’s their own personal struggles, remembering someone who passed away, lack of hope.”
Ms. Morey is leading a Service of the Longest Night on Saturday to make space for people to feel their grief and sadness, and to offer some hope.
“Let’s give space to be able to lean into those feelings and to find solace in each other and solace in what God and the universe has available for us,” Ms. Morey said. The service will incorporate lighting of candles, meditation, and readings from various cultures to bring solace and guidance. Resources will also be available both for those who are struggling and on how to support loved ones who are struggling.