Image of a blue winter night by Matteo Raw https://unsplash.com/@raw2020 Submitted by Anne Atkinson, RN, Albert County Community Health Centre
When Elvis croons “I’ll have a blue Christmas without you…”, we may think of him singing about his sweetheart and being far away from her over Christmas. But a “Blue Christmas” can be even deeper and more personal than this for those who have lost loved ones or experienced traumas related to the holidays. Christmas can be magical, wistful, and incredibly special. It can also be painful and downright sad for many.
Long nights can increase struggle
Blue Christmas, or The Longest Night, is observed around December 21st. For many cultures, this date marks the Winter Solstice or the day in which we experience the least amount of sunlight in the calendar year. Lack of sunlight is more than an inconvenience. It can make our bodies experience emotional struggles even more intensely.
When Elvis croons “I’ll have a blue Christmas without you…”, we may think of him singing about his sweetheart and being far away from her over Christmas. But a “Blue Christmas” can be even deeper and more personal than this for those who have lost loved ones or experienced traumas related to the holidays. Christmas can be magical, wistful, and incredibly special. It can also be painful and downright sad for many.
Long nights can increase struggle
Blue Christmas, or The Longest Night, is observed around December 21st. For many cultures, this date marks the Winter Solstice or the day in which we experience the least amount of sunlight in the calendar year. Lack of sunlight is more than an inconvenience. It can make our bodies experience emotional struggles even more intensely.
In Western Christian tradition, this night is often marked with a special “Blue Christmas” church service which combines worship and remembrance as it acknowledges the loneliness and grief many experience over this festive period. December 21st can also be observed at home in a simple candle lighting in memory of a loved one. Navigating the grief process is difficult and does not take a holiday during the 12 days of Christmas. If you or someone you love is going through this experience, it can be healing to take time to honour those feelings.
Connection is key
It is also important to connect with others during these hard moments. When we hurt it is easy to withdraw into ourselves, but small and safe connections can help. If we aren't struggling ourselves, it's also important to remember to make the effort to reach out to others who may need a kind word or gentle encouragement. Something positive happens in our brains when we communicate with others!
Our thoughts are with you as you go through this season as we acknowledge that Christmas isn’t always a happy time for everyone. May we all take time during the festive season to check up on and uplift those around us!
Be proactive in your self-care
As a footnote, remember to be proactive about your health and wellness during the holidays and all winter long. Here are some tips for keeping healthy during the colder winter months:
Connection is key
It is also important to connect with others during these hard moments. When we hurt it is easy to withdraw into ourselves, but small and safe connections can help. If we aren't struggling ourselves, it's also important to remember to make the effort to reach out to others who may need a kind word or gentle encouragement. Something positive happens in our brains when we communicate with others!
Our thoughts are with you as you go through this season as we acknowledge that Christmas isn’t always a happy time for everyone. May we all take time during the festive season to check up on and uplift those around us!
Be proactive in your self-care
As a footnote, remember to be proactive about your health and wellness during the holidays and all winter long. Here are some tips for keeping healthy during the colder winter months:
- Try to spend at least 10-20 minutes outdoors during daylight hours.
- Open curtains wide in the morning or sit near a window.
- Humidify your indoor air –great for skin, sinuses and sleep.
- Focus on warm meals like soups, stews or roasted vegetables.
- Include immune-supporting foods like citrus, leafy greens, ginger, garlic and berries.
- Keep a consistent sleep schedule in a cool sleep space.
- Stay hydrated-try herbal teas or warm water with lemon.
- Maintain social connections.
- Wash hands often-consider a Flu, Pneumonia, RSV or COVID Vaccine. Vaccines are offered on Fridays at the Albert County Community Health Centre from 1:00 PM until 3:30 PM. Give us a call to discuss your options!
RSS Feed