The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. For many, however, this time of year can be especially challenging. Grief, loss, and other difficult emotions can feel even heavier during a season filled with expectations of happiness and cheer. Recognizing this, Roper & Sons Funeral Home in Lincoln hosts its annual Blue Christmas service to offer comfort, solace, and support to those struggling through the holidays.
Those attending the Blue Christmas service find a safe, compassionate space where individuals and families can openly acknowledge their grief and find healing. Unlike traditional holiday gatherings focused solely on celebration, this service honors the reality that not everyone feels joyous during this time. Instead, it offers a time for reflection and connection, helping attendees navigate their emotions, and find solace in the presence of others who understand their journey.
Grieving the loss of a loved one during the holidays can feel isolating, especially when surrounded by messages of merriment and celebration. Blue Christmas provides an opportunity to pause, remember, and honor those who are no longer with us. For individuals and families dealing with loss, this shared experience can be a vital source of comfort and a reminder that they are not alone in their grief.
Togetherness Supports Well-being
The power of community is at the heart of Blue Christmas. Coming together with others who are experiencing similar emotions can have a profound impact on one’s well-being. By acknowledging pain in a supportive environment, individuals can begin to find moments of hope and peace. This collective healing helps ease the weight of grief, making the holidays a little more manageable.
Roper & Sons understands the importance of creating a space for healing and reflection during the holidays. That’s why they invite anyone in the community who is struggling to attend their annual Blue Christmas service. This meaningful event is open to all, regardless of background or faith, and provides a welcoming environment for individuals to process their feelings, remember their loved ones, and connect with others who share their experiences.
Join Us
Roper & Sons’ Blue Christmas service will take place on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. at Roper & Sons’ South Chapel, located at 3950 Hohensee Drive in Lincoln, Nebraska. This thoughtful service is designed to provide hope and support to those who need it most during the holiday season.
If you or someone you know is finding it difficult to embrace the holidays this year, consider attending the Blue Christmas service. Together, we can navigate the challenges of this season, honor our loved ones, and find comfort in the presence of a compassionate community.
Monthly Grief Group Counseling
In addition to their annual Blue Christmas service, Roper & Sons also offers free monthly Grief Group Counseling sessions. Attendees come together to express their emotions – or listen to others experiencing similar feelings – as they journey through all phases of the grieving process.
Grief Group Counseling sessions are held the first and third Sundays of each month from 1:45-2:45 p.m. at Roper & Sons’ Midtown Chapel. Addiction Loss Group sessions are held every third Sunday of the month, from 3:00-4:00 p.m. All sessions are led by Melissa Thorne, LIMHP, LADC, a Grief Therapist. For more information, call Roper & Sons at 402-476-1225.
This holiday season, let’s remember that joy and grief can coexist, and that healing is possible—even on the longest nights.