The ShineOnCass Foundation will host its 4th Annual Blue Christmas Ceremony for grieving families and friends, and those who support them, Saturday, December 21, at sunset, starting at 4 p.m., on the Winter Solstice – the longest and darkest night of the year. Blue Christmas will feature music, speakers, and a reading of submitted names of loved ones’ lost and the lighting of memorial blue candles.
Blue Christmas ceremonies are held around the world in acknowledgement that the holiday season can be especially challenging for many who are grieving.
“Many people are acquainted with the paradox of the holiday season – a time when celebrations of peace and joy contrast sharply with the sadness and loneliness that come with loss,” said Monica Charette, founder and executive director of the ShineOnCass Foundation. “Our hope is to bring people together, both bereaved families and individuals, and those who can support them, to offer a comforting space where everyone feels less alone.”
In addition to the blue light ceremony, the evening will also feature music by local musician Will McPherson and the return of award-winning country recording artist Joan Kennedy, and her daughter Grace, who will perform “Candle in the Window” and other selections. The event is free of charge.
Charette said the idea to host a community Blue Christmas Ceremony came from a gathering organized by her friends after the passing of her 17-year-old daughter Cassidy Charette 10 years ago. Cass, for whom the ShineOnCass Foundation was created to honor, was a Messalonskee High School student and longtime community volunteer, who died in a tragic hayride accident on October 11, 2014.
Anyone can participate in the Blue Christmas Ceremony by sharing their loved ones’ names being remembered and receive a blue candle to light at the ceremony. People are also welcome to attend in silent remembrance and offer support to others. To complete the online form, visit Blue Christmas on the Foundation’s website at shineoncass.org. Deadline to submit names is Friday, December 20. To participate via livestream, follow the ShineOnCass Facebook page. In case of inclement weather, Blue Christmas will be held one day later, on Sunday, December 22.
For additional grief support, Charette and her son, Colby, co-host “Holding the Light” Podcast, which includes monthly interviews with bereaved families. This month’s episode “Grief Doesn’t Take a Holiday” will provide tips for surviving the season with support group facilitator Sarah Kilch Gaffney. For more information, visit shineoncass.org.
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The ShineOnCass Foundation will host its 4th Annual Blue Christmas Ceremony for grieving families and friends, and those who support them, Saturday, December 21, at sunset, starting at 4 p.m., on the Winter Solstice – the longest and darkest night of the year. Blue Christmas will feature music, speakers, and a reading of submitted names of loved ones’ lost and the lighting of memorial blue candles.
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