WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Several Kansas churches are trying to meet the needs of people struggling emotionally this holiday season by offering Blue Christmas worship services.

Blue Christmas services tend to be more subdued and sometimes reflect on themes of loss and hope.

The Rev. Mari Larson is the senior pastor at Reformation Lutheran Church in Wichita. His church’s Blue Christmas service will include communion and quieter holiday music.

Larson says “Christmas just feels alien” to those struggling with depression or loss.

Dr. Matthew Macaluso is an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. Macaluso says offering Blue Christmas worship services can help people acknowledge difficulty in a time of year where cold weather and less sunlight contribute to depression.