Mark 'The Longest Night' by lighting a candle or ringing a bell Dec. 21 in Batavia
Historically, the days and weeks leading up to Christmas are considered a time of rejoicing. However, for many, the season sparks melancholy and depression.
For them, a "Blue Christmas" is more than an Elvis song.
To acknowledge this, an event, "The Longest Night" is planned by a partnership of the Batavia Ministerial Association, Batavia Chamber of Commerce, Batavia Access Television (BATV), Batavia Counselors' Collaboration, and Suicide Preventions Services.
At 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21, step outside your front door, light a candle, ring a bell, or sound a horn.
The Facebook post says: "As friends and neighbors, we can stand together in grief and hope. In these small but significant ways, we will acknowledge our pain and look forward in hope to the light that is coming. We hope that you will participate in this opportunity."
Indeed, for many 2020 has felt like the longest night of our lives with the onset of COVID-19 back in March. Since then, as a collective, much has been lost - health, community, relationships, jobs, plans, dreams, and even friends and loved ones. Therefore, on Dec. 21, the shortest day of the year, everyone is urged to come together to grieve the pain of this year and claim that light that is coming, growing stronger each day.
For updates, visit the Facebook event page: www.facebook.com/events/142172390660237/.
About Batavia Counselors Collaboration:
Batavia Counselors' Collaboration resulted from a desire to help the community during the pandemic, particularly with stress and mental health. A "#togetherWECAN" campaign launched in August and will always be available on Facebook to bring awareness to the importance of mental health during this pandemic and just how to look for help.
For more information, visit their website, mentalhealthbatavia.com. Alternatively, go to their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/BataviaCounselorsCollaboration/ or email Mary Anne Callahan at mcallahan@kuhncounselingcenter.com.
About Batavia Chamber of Commerce:
A local business-centered organization, the Batavia Chamber of Commerce sponsors or is involved with several annual Batavia events, including the Annual Mayor's Breakfast, Citizen of the Year/Ole Awards Event, and much more. The president and CEO is Margaret Perreault. Membership and information about upcoming chamber and community events are available online at www.bataviachamber.org or by calling (630) 879-7134.