While the holiday season can be a joyous time for many, it can also be very difficult for those who are struggling with the recent loss of a loved one.
Sneath-Strilchuk Funeral Services is hoping to help with that by once again hosting their annual Blue Christmas Services of Remembrance.
"It is for folks who are dealing with grief and sadness at what is usually a joyous time," says Joe Coffey, owner of Sneath-Strilchuk Funeral Services. "They can come and deal with those feelings and recognize the people that have gone before us and are important to us."
Coffey says these services are being held tonight (Thursday) at 7 pm at their chapels in Roblin and Ste Rose, as well as Sunday afternoon at 2 at their Family Care Centre in Dauphin.
"We have a service with a clergy person, and then we light the candles and we play a video tribute for all of the people that have passed over the past year. And then it is very important as well, the fellowship of being with people that are dealing with similar feelings. "
Coffey adds everyone is welcome to attend and light a candle, even if it has been more than a year since their loved one passed away.
"Often we carry our feelings of missing people from years back. So it does not necessarily have to be someone who has passed away in the past year,it can be years ago. It is just a good opportunity to recognize these people."
Coffey says even though there is a lot of happiness associated with Christmas time, it is important to acknowledge our feelings and not hide feelings of sadness