Waiokeola Congregational Church, 4705 Kilauea Ave. in Kahala, is holding its first Blue Christmas Service at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 7 for people who feel a certain sadness at Christmas.

Since the holidays are not always joyous for people who are dealing with loneliness, illness, a divorce, financial problems or loss of a loved one, the service is intended to help deal with sadness and concerns.

The service will include music, prayers and light refreshments afterward. It's patterned after a service held in Canada.

The church is also sponsoring a grief support group.

Information: the church, 737-0541 or 734-0846.

THAI BUDDHIST FESTIVAL TOMORROW

Tomorrow, the Thai Buddhist Temple of Hawaii, Wat Buddhajakramongkolvararam, in co-operation with the local Thai community, will hold its Thai Loy Krathong Festival with cultural shows, dances and food.

There will be traditional Thai dance of Rum-wong, Thai classical musical performance (Rannad-ake solo) and folk songs.

The free daylong event will begin at 9 a.m. at the bandstand at Kapi'olani Park. The program, which includes a 10:30 a.m. Thai Buddhist ceremony, will end at about 6 p.m. with pageants.

Information: 218-8803 or 456-4176.

WORLD AIDS DAY EVENTS THURSDAY

The Memorial World AIDS Day quilt will be on display at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace at 2 p.m. Thursday, World AIDS Day.

The daylong schedule includes: information tables where red ribbons will be distributed 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at two sites on Fort Street Mall; a student art exhibit at the Cathedral Gallery, 1184 Bishop St.; and a World AIDS Day ceremony at 5:30 p.m., followed by a candlelight ceremony.

The local theme is "No Shame."

Information: Melanie Moore at Life Foundation, 521-2437, or mmoore@lifefoundation.org; also www.worldaidsdayhawaii.org.