Lights and decorations, baking cookies and exchanging presents, and candlelight services and family gatherings are events looked forward to by many people during the holiday season.

However, for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one, experiencing health decline or facing job loss, the holidays can be difficult to celebrate. One Gloucester woman has stepped up to let those in the community who are going through difficult times know that their emotions are valid and they are not alone.

Ingrid Peterson of Gloucester, is leading Apostles Lutheran Church of Gloucester’s first-ever “Blue Christmas” service to honor all emotions that the holidays bring and “to remind people they’re not alone.”

“For many people, the holidays bring sadness,” said Peterson.

When Peterson lived in North Dakota, she would help out at a church by preaching and leading worship. That church held a Blue Christmas service for those experiencing difficult emotions during the holidays. Addressing gr...