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Celebrate a Life, Blue Christmas

Many of us are mourning the loss of a loved one, and many of us are not feeling festive and jolly this December.
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JACQUIE NEAVE HANGS a memorial tag on the Celebrate a Life Tree in memory of her late husband Len.

Adith Chambers

Contributor

Many of us are mourning the loss of a loved one, and many of us are not feeling festive and jolly this December.

If this is you or someone you love, please consider joining with like-minded souls Dec. 15 at 1 p.m. for the Celebrate a Life, Blue Christmas gathering.

This service is a sharing of readings, musical offerings, and prayers if you so wish, with a non-denominational tone. People of any or no faith are welcome.

There will be opportunities to remember a loved one who has died with the lighting of a candle, the hanging of a memorial tag on the Christmas tree, and the writing of a few words in a special memorial book.

You are invited to sit quietly in a peaceful and supportive space without participating in any of the rituals, if you so wish.

The Comox Valley Hospice Society and St. Joseph's Pastoral Care are once again collaborating with Comox United Church to create a loving and comforting experience for those who will find Christmas a challenging time this year.

Following the service, which is usually about an hour in length, there will be refreshments and an opportunity to talk with others. Hospice staff and volunteers will be available if you need a listening ear.

There is no charge for this event, and donations are not being requested.

Shortly after the service, the memorial tree will be moved to the third floor chapel in the 1938 Wing Building at St. Joseph's General Hospital (situated alongside the Comox Valley Hospice Society' offices and library).

If you miss the Blue Christmas service and wish to add a name tag to celebrate the life of a departed loved one, you are welcome to do so. It may be a chance to sit in quiet reflection in a peaceful place with your memories.

The Celebrate a Life/Blue Christmas is this Saturday at 1 p.m. Comox United Church is at 250 Beach Dr.

For more information or for support before, during and after the holidays, contact the Comox Valley Hospice Society at 250-339-5533 or www.comoxhospice.com.

— Comox Valley Hospice Society