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Lonely This Christmas

Tuesday, 17 December 2024 08:00

It is promoted as a time for togetherness but for many, Christmas can be an isolating and melancholy period. Beating those festive blues isn’t easy, but these techniques can help raise your spirits

Christmas is renowned for being a time of togetherness, family and friends, but sometimes that isn’t possible. For whatever reason, being alone at Christmas can be a testing time of isolation and for some, sadness.

Trying to be kind to yourself at this time of year can help. Whatever it is that makes you happy – long baths, a good television series, a brisk run – make time for that and dial down the madness around you.

It’s easy to get swept up in the frenzy of festive excitement and feel that you are missing out, but putting it into perspective may help. In the spirit of thinking of others, this is the perfect opportunity to explore alternative celebrations that happen around the world this time of year – Christmas isn’t the be all and end all that many would have us believe.

Taking on board some of these techniques below might help to raise your festive cheer, and give you some inspiration to meet Christmas in a friendly spirit, however you spend it this year.

Stay in touch

If you’re forced to be physically alone this Christmas Day, you can still connect with others (even if it’s via video calls or social media). A short video of a beloved grandson opening the present you sent, a visit to a neighbour, or a quick drink at the nearest pub will help you ease your loneliness. In fact, you might be surprised how simply sharing in the cheer of others can bring a smile to your own face.

Help others

Volunteering is a fantastic way to feel useful and use your time in a positive way. Serving dinner at a homeless shelter, collecting money for a charity, or even making crafts to sell at your local church fete will foster a sense of purpose and remind you that there are many others who also struggle this time of year.

Be thankful

It’s easy to become wrapped up in our own problems, especially if we have a lot of time alone to think. This is why it can help to focus on all the wonderful experiences and gifts you have received in your life.

Keeping a gratitude journal, or even just contemplate one thing each day you are thankful for, no matter how small, can help shift your perspective.

Reach out

The wonderful thing about the holiday season is that there are so many events and opportunities to meet others. You could join the local choir or theatrical group, or just watch a carol concert, nativity or pantomime that’s playing in your area.

Even attending Midnight Mass or a Christmas Day service can help remind us what Christmas is truly about, and there is no better way of experiencing that than in the embracing arms of your community.

Or travel further afield and book yourself a group holiday or retreat over the Christmas period, celebrating with others and connecting with new people.

Accept your feelings

Putting on a charade of happiness for others can be exhausting and, in these moments, it is best to just accept how you feel. Everyone has experienced conflicting emotions during the festive period – it is a milestone in the year we use as a point to reflect and contemplate, so in the darker moments, remember you are not alone.

So be kind to yourself, eat your favourite food and watch whatever TV you want – a luxury many will wish they had when they’re forced to watch an entire afternoon of seasonal reruns!

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