How to deal with holiday blues

While hues of red, green white and gold are usually associated with the holidays, for many people, the season can also be colored with "the blues." Job stress, family issues, loss of loved ones and other personal problems can detract from the many joys of the holiday season.

DuPage County residents will find help for the blues at two first-time events, a Cenacle program and a Blue Christmas church service.

"Blessings of Laughter: Secrets for Beating the Holiday Blues" will be presented by Marie Crosby of Westmont from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Cenacle Retreat House, 29W012 Batavia Road, Warrenville.

"This will include tips for not getting down, keeping spirits up and using laughter and humor to do that," said Carolyn Carroll, network coordinator for the Cenacle. "Marie has a wonderful sense of humor, and her goal is always to share how we can increase the joy and laughter in our everyday lives."

Crosby has presented other programs called "Laughing Matters" and is a frequent guest speaker at the Cenacle. She suggested the idea for the holiday program to the sisters at the Cenacle, said Carroll.

The fee is $15 and pre-registration is suggested by calling (630) 393-1231, but walk-ins are welcome.

St. Paul Lutheran Church will offer its first Blue Christmas service at 2 p.m. Dec. 15 at the church, 515 S. Wheaton Ave., Wheaton.

People of all faiths are welcome to attend. The service will incorporate music, readings, a message and candle lighting to reach out to those who are experiencing loss and sadness during the holidays.

"There are many reasons that people feel sad this time of year, perhaps from the loss of a job or a distant move from family members," said the Rev. Melody Eastman, senior pastor at St. Paul. "When one of our members suggested planning a Blue Christmas service, it strongly resonated with our members and many stepped up to make it happen."

Joining St. Paul to host the service will be members of St. Michael Catholic Church in Wheaton. They will help with music and offer assistance from the parish's bereavement ministry.

The Biblical text for the service will not include Christmas passages but instead focus on healing. The music will include selections like "O Come, O Come Emmanuel." Representatives of the congregation's Stephen Ministry will serve refreshments after the service.

"It will be a time to move from feeling blue to experiencing the wonder and hope of Christmas," said Eastman. "We welcome the community to join us and we'd love www.StPaulWheaton.org or call (630) 668-5953.

For details to fill our church."

For details, visit the Web site at about Blessings of Laughter, visit www.cenacle.org or call (630) 393-1231

If you go

What: The holiday blues will be the focus of two programs in DuPage County.

• "Blessings of Laughter: Secrets for Beating the Holiday Blues" with Marie Crosby is 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Cenacle Retreat House, 29W012 Batavia Road, Warrenville. The fee is $15. Call (630) 393-1231

• St. Paul Lutheran Church will hold a Blue Christmas service at 2 p.m. Dec. 15 at the church, 515 S. Wheaton Ave., Wheaton. Call (630) 668-5953.