Christmas is often a difficult time for some people.
It’s okay to feel sad and upset around the holidays. It’s a time of family, friends, togetherness. So, for those who’ve lost a loved one, or for people who don’t share happy memories about Christmas, it can be an isolating time. The kind of a year this has been locally, nationally, and globally, it’s likely that Christmas might come with even more difficulties, or create a sense of increased pressure to have fun and make the most.
Remember, there’s no pressure to be happy. But society seems to feed us the message that we should be. Sometimes this message even comes from our own expectations and beliefs. So if and when we aren’t happy, we might feel there’s something ‘wrong’ with us. There can be a lot of pressure at Christmas for everything to be great, and perfect. This isn’t realistic for everyone, or every year – despite what films and music suggest.
So be kind to yourself. And if you can’t be kind to yourself, that’s okay too, it’s where you are right now. And I’d like to say, that I am thinking of everyone this Christmas who isn’t having a lovely time. Those who are estranged, bereaved, grieving. My thoughts are with people who are struggling, emotionally, financially, and otherwise.
There is no shame in reaching out. There’s no shame in taking a break from the holiday season. It’s not always merry and bright. And that’s okay.
Christmas can be a wonderful time. But Christmas arriving doesn’t mean your pain will leave, your problems vanish. If we go into Christmas with this in-mind, it might be an easier time not only for us, but for those around us.
Maybe we need to give ourselves and others permission to be not okay this Christmas time.
So let’s be mindful of this other side of Christmas, as we prepare to end 2020.
Below are some resources I hope you might find useful..
Recources
Domestic Abuse Helpline – 24 hr support if you’re living in fear or being physically, emotionally, or financially abused this Christmas – call 999 in an emergency
Festive Guide from Stand Alone – for people Estranged from Family
Those who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender can call Switchboard on 0300 330 0630 (10am–10pm every day), email chris@switchboard.lgbt or use their webchat service. Phone operators all identify as LGBT+
Support with alcohol this Christmas
Mind have also put together a list of useful contacts here
