The Christmas holidays are here, children, teenagers and young adults, will all soon be, if not already, happily nestled at home enjoying the Christmas break. Lucky for them, unfortunately, some of us are still at work. But wherever you are this Christmas, home, with friends or at the grandparents, I hope you’re surrounded by people you love at this festive time.
However for some, Christmas is not the most wonderful time of the year, it’s quite the opposite. Thousands of people across the UK will not have a family to go to this Christmas, or friends to be with or grandparents to eat biscuits with. Which in this country of plenty is tragic, and I believe not fair, because surely everyone deserves to be happy this Christmas.
More than 5% of adults admit to being lonely, women more so than men. According to age UK, 1.7 million older people haven’t met up with a friend or family member in over a month. Many just describe Christmas as ‘just another day’. It’s a time of the year that exacerbates loneliness, so reach out, re-connect, and make someone less lonely this Christmas.
Step aside materialism, Christmas is the season of giving
Volunteering this Christmas might just hit the spot for you. The true spirit of Christmas is giving, so why not give your time to help others? Many foodbank providers this Christmas are expecting to be very busy. See Lifeshare, a food bank local to us here in Manchester, helping to give those less fortunate a warm, safe and welcoming environment.
The quickest way to find your nearest foodbank is simple, just conduct a quick Google search I’m sure there will be one near you. As there are 800 more food banks in the country than there are McDonald’s, and I’m sure you know there’s a lot of them!
Reach out to old pals
YES
Many of us have old friends that have been almost forgotten with time. Well now is the time to reconnect. It’s not uncommon losing touch with friends, as people face many different changes in their lives, career changes, moving to different cities, and new relationships. As we all become consumed by busy lives, close friends soon become distant and the messages become less and less.
So make contact and reconnect, a simple Christmas card, text or email would easily break the silence that should have never been.
Be an open book
Try being honest and open about how you are feeling. There are a lot more benefits to being honest and open than there are to being closed off. Honesty attracts honesty. People who are trustworthy and honest attract trustworthy and honest friends. And those are the best friends to have.
Being an open book will allow you to release stress and tension. Keeping your feelings to yourself can reflect negatively on your mind. Talk to those close to you, don’t allow your thoughts to fester it will only make things worse.
So do try not bottling everything up this Christmas be open to everyone and improve your social presence. Enjoy yourself.
Netflix and chill
Such a terrible phrase, I have to admit. However, with the festive season fully locked on our digital platforms, it would not be right to ignore it. Many people help tackle their loneliness by diving deep into a good box set. And I have to agree, box sets are a perfect way to switch off and relax.
A personal touch I’d like to add is a glass of mulled wine and some Camembert, it’s not necessary, but snacks are essential.
Its Christmas after all, relax a little, stay warm and binge away some popular box sets. My recommendations include Vikings, The Boys, American Gods, Money Heist, Ozark, The Sinner, and Mindhunter.
I do hope that everyone this year has a wonderful Christmas! Either surrounded by family, friends or new acquaintances.