Feeling blue at Christmas time in Levin

For the second year running the Greenhouse Community is creating a safe space for people who find the Christmas season a bit of struggle.

When adverts, stores, and conversations are filled with talk of ‘joy’ and ‘being merry’, parties and celebrations, this can sometimes make the festive season even more difficult for those who find it a hard time.

On December 17 the Greenhouse Community is holding a Blue Christmas gathering in the lounge of St Mary’s Church on the corner of Manchester St from 5.30-7pm. People can drop in at any time and stay for as little or long as they like. Entry is free.

There will not be a traditional Church service, but a range of gentle activities and reflective spaces where it is safe for people to creatively express their struggles at Christmas.

People will be available to chat and hot drinks and nibbles will be provided.

The Greenhouse Community acknowledges that for people with limited money, mental health struggles, addictions, isolation from friends and family, or who have lost loved ones Christmas can intensify feelings of loneliness, grief, anger and depression.

There are plenty of opportunities to celebrate Christmas and they want to provide an opportunity to acknowledge people’s struggles and provide support and community.

“It was a relief to acknowledge the sadness I feel at Christmas time, and it was healing for people who came to take a moment to be real about their struggles and to have a moment away from the business of the holiday season,” local counsellor Adi Brewerton said of last year’s Blue Christmas gathering.

The concept of Blue Christmas comes from the northern hemisphere where the longest night of the year is usually a few days before Christmas Day, contributing to the darkness people experience.