When it's a Blue Christmas

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For more tips on how to get through the holidays while dealing
with a loss, check out "In the W," which featured Angela Hospice's
Director of Social Work & Bereavement last week. Watch here.
The holidays can be an especially tough time while going through any kind of loss. On Wednesday, Dec. 14 Angela Hospice will be co-sponsoring Blue Christmas at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church to provide support for those dealing with a loss this holiday season.

“It’s kind of a prayer service for anyone who has suffered any kind of loss,” said Diane McDonald, Angela Hospice Director of Spiritual Care, who will be doing a reading at the event. “It doesn’t have to be a death. It could be a job, it could be a relationship, it could be a pet…”

During this time of year there are often advertisements showing families enjoying the holidays, but not everyone has the opportunity to do that. Events like Blue Christmas are a good time to come together and support each other. Diane said she thinks events like this are important because no one should be alone during the holiday season.

For those unable to attend the event Diane has a few tips to help you get through the holiday season.

  • Be with those that not only care about you but care for you. Be around people who will try and lift you up.
  • If you don’t have family or friends to reach out to then try a support group.
  • Look for inspirational reading material by those who have gone through loss and see how they got through it.
  • Try meditation and reflection.

When it comes to book suggestions, Diane recommends the Association for Death Educators and Counseling website, which has lists for almost every type of loss, including pet loss and how to help someone who is grieving.

Blue Christmas, which is open to all, will have a reflection, a few readings, and music. There will also be refreshments after. St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church is located at 27475 5 Mile Road in Livonia and the event will start at 7 p.m.

For more about the grief support services Angela Hospice provides, or to schedule an appointment with a grief counselor, call (734) 464-7810 and ask to speak with our Bereavement Department. You can also visit us at AskForAngela.com.

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