Spending Christmas alone?

GEPP

20 December 2021

By Lucy Wright

With 2020 leaving many people to celebrate Christmas in ways that they normally wouldn’t, some people may still feel obliged to make up for lost time and have a ‘normal’ Christmas again. However, there are still some people out there who will spend the day by themselves, whether it be down to choice or circumstances. Regardless of the reasoning, remember, it may feel lonely but you are never alone.

To try and overcome the negative feelings that may come with spending Christmas by yourself, we’ve listed some helpful tips on how to spend your day and also some useful organisations that can be a listening ear.

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Focus on your passions

Are you someone that loves being pampered, then start the day off on a good note by having a bath! Spend the afternoon painting. Have a good clear out of anything that you don’t want, including non-physical things that you don’t want to take into 2024.

Zoom isn’t dead

Why put all of our new found skills for zoom to rest, connecting with people virtually can help ease the feeling of loneliness. It could even mean that you connect with more people than you normally would on Christmas day.

Self care not social media

Social media can become a very triggering place if you are spending Christmas alone, take the opportunity to stop scrolling and have a break.

SALE-ABRATE

Celebrate the day by getting ahead in the Christmas sales and treat yourself. Go to some small online businesses and see if they have any special offers on their one of a kind pieces

CHRISTMAS WHO?

Remember, you don’t actually have to celebrate Christmas, you may even find it easier on yourself if you just treat the day like any other Saturday and follow your normal routine

Could tech be the answer for you?

Online Chatrooms have been around for over a decade, and albeit they are not always safe and secure, they can provide a brief digital companionship if you use the right one for you and also use it safely.

Below are a couple of free apps that you may find helpful if you are looking for someone to talk to. Remember, we can only recommend the app, however the users on each app will vary. Stay safe online and don’t give away any personal details, if you see something suspicious, make sure you report it.

Bumble BFF

Did you know that Bumble isn’t just for dating? They also have a networking side and a BFF side too. Bumble BFF gives you the opportunity to match with other individuals that are also looking to make meaningful friendships.

HearMe

Created for people who just want to talk; it could be about anything, work, loss of a loved one, or even what you’re going to call your new cat, it’s for anyone who just wants to talk.

HearMe connects you to a listener in less than a minute, for free, any time of the day.

If you find yourself feeling really down and lonely, then reach out to someone. Call a family member or a friend, or contact a helpline, below are just some of the services out there that you can contact

The Silver Line

This free helpline for older people across the UK is open every day and every night. Staff can offer information, friendship and advice, as well as linking callers to local groups and services. Silver Line Friends provides a weekly friendship call or email, while Silver Circle offers a regular group call on different subjects of interest.

Helpline: 0800 470 80 90

Mind

The Mind Info Line offers callers confidential advice. The organisation also campaigns for better mental health services around the country.

Helpline: 0300 123 3393

The Mix

The Mix offers support for anyone aged 13 to 25 with any sort of challenge – from mental health to money, break-ups to drugs, finding a job to homelessness.

Helpline: 0808 808 4994

Samaritans

Samaritans runs a 24/7 helpline for anyone who wants someone to listen without judgment or pressure. You can also train to become a volunteer.

Helpline: 116 123

Red Cross support line

The Red Cross support line is staffed by experienced Red Cross volunteers who can provide emotional support in more than 200 languages.

The support line is free and confidential, and is available 10am-6pm daily.

Helpline: 0808 196 3651