Blue Christmas: Digital Tips and Resources for Churches

12/12/2024

What is ‘Blue Christmas’, and how can you support those for whom Christmas is a particularly difficult time?

The Christmas season is often associated with joy and celebration, but for some, it can be a very challenging time. Many churches now hold services or resources for "Blue Christmas", which is all about acknowledging those feelings and offering support to those who might be struggling. Here’s how your church can use digital tools to reach out and help.

What is a Blue Christmas service?

A Blue Christmas service is all about creating a comforting space for people who might find this time of year challenging for various reasons. The Blue Christmas tradition emerged from the USA, and is often marked on 21 December, the longest night of the year. It’s a chance to reflect, remember, and find a bit of peace. But whenever you choose to hold a service, or perhaps choose to raise awareness in other ways, Blue Christmas is a useful reminder to support those who find Advent and Christmas particularly hard. 

Digital Resources You Can Share

Here are some useful resources from UK organisations that you can share to signpost available support for those struggling:

1. Church of England's 'Follow the Star: Calm & Bright'

Share the National Church’s daily reflections and prayers on your church's social media or email newsletters to keep your community connected. We’re focussing on helping people cultivate calm and hope in what can be a stressful and sad time. We will also share some social media content specifically focused on Blue Christmas. 

2. Marie Curie Bereavement Support:

Post links to their support services on your website and social media. Check out their website. 

3. Mind's Mental Health Tips:

Share their advice on handling Christmas stress on Facebook or Instagram. Explore their resources. 

4. CRUSE Bereavement Care:

More info on their website. 

5. The Samaritans:

Let people know about their 24/7 support by highlighting it in your online communications. Contact them via their helpline. 

6. Trussell:

Use your newsletter to inform your community about local support services through The Trussell Trust. Visit their website. 

7. Shaftesbury’s Inclusive Resources:

Promote their resources on your website and social media to help people think about how they can make sure everyone can join in Christmas activities. Explore their materials here. 

Digital Ideas for Churches

Here are some simple digital ideas to support those experiencing a Blue Christmas:

  1. Virtual Reflection: Set up a page on your website where people can submit prayer requests or light a virtual candle. Use tools like Google Forms.

  2. Online Gatherings: Host virtual Blue Christmas services on Zoom or Facebook Live. 

  3. Share Stories: Use videos, blogs or podcasts to share stories from your community about what they find difficult or what finding support from your church or other services looks like. Post these on YouTube, as Stories or Reels on Instagram, or wherever feels most relevant for you.

  4. Add your Blue Christmas service or event to AChurchNearYou.com: Make sure you tag events with relevant tags like ‘Blue Christmas’ so people can search for them directly through our Christmas page on the site.

  5. Email newsletter: Send a special newsletter focusing on Blue Christmas, including resources, stories, and any upcoming events.

  6. Online prayers: Share prayers (or Bible verses) that can support and remind people of those having a difficult time. See a couple of examples below.

Content examples: 

Here’s a blog from the Church Support Hub about how one church offered a Blue Christmas service for those facing bereavement. You can download the liturgy for their ‘Longest Night’ service here.

And below are some examples of a video prayer and a prayer graphic you could share, or use as inspiration for your own posts.  

a blue square with a 'blue christmas prayer' text over it. Reads: 'Lord, you created and fashioned us, you know us and search us out, you abide with us through light and dark; help us to know your presence in this life and, in the life to come, still to be with you; where you are alive and reign God, for ever and ever. Amen.

 

Wrapping up

Using digital platforms, your church can provide much-needed support during Advent and Christmas. By sharing resources and creating engaging, supportive online content, you can offer a space of understanding and hope.