How to Cope With Loneliness at Christmas

It’s ok to recognise that not everyone embraces Christmas or finds it a joyful time. It can also be helpful to realise that you can still feel lonely even when you’re surrounded by people.

If Christmas feels like a lonely time for any reason, our tips will help you find some peace over the coming week.

1 Make Time for Self-Care

Loneliness can make you feel very low, so prioritise self-care. Write down a few things that you know you enjoy, such as reading, listening to music, going for walks, soaking in a hot bath, writing in a journal, or doing an activity or hobby. Try to make time for one type of self-care each day to give your mood a boost.

2 Reach Out to Friends

If your family’s priority at Christmas is to spend time with relatives, this can mean that you feel alienated from your friends. Keep in touch with them by texting, sending voice notes or arranging video calls.

Sharing your feelings with friends can give you a sense of connection and remind you that you’re not the only one feeling cut off during the holiday season.

 3 Volunteer or Give Back

If you need to get out of the house over the Christmas period, giving back to the community will not only help how you feel, but also greatly benefit other people. Volunteer at your local shelter, food bank or community event – this can be a powerful antidote to loneliness and may give you a sense of purpose, too.

4 Create Your Own Traditions

If the traditional Christmas rituals are a painful reminder of loneliness, think about how you would like to spend the time this year. New traditions could include getting out in the wintry countryside, watching a film set in summer, or writing a letter to yourself with ideas for what you hope to do or achieve in the next year.

5 Seek Professional Support

If loneliness feels overwhelming, reach out for help. Talk to a counsellor, doctor, or an adult you trust about how you feel. They may help by providing guidance and advice, as well as supporting you to develop strategies that will help you manage the way you feel. Over time, this will help you build resilience so that events and holidays have less impact on your emotional wellbeing.

Loneliness at Christmas is common. Taking steps to manage it can help you feel more at ease during the festive period so that it feels easier to cope with. Remember, your feelings are valid and there are individuals who care about your wellbeing, as well as health specialists who can help.