It’s upon us again, just a couple more sleeps till Christmas. The kids are getting excited, we’re trying to get them to sleep so we can retrieve the items we’ve hidden at the back of the wardrobe to wrap. The shops are full of people buying festive food and drink along with their last minute shopping. Office doors are being locked, computers are being logged off, holidays are starting. Lights are twinkling on houses that normally look pretty dreary.

Bank, Christmas, Light
Picture credited to Pixabay

That’s the dream – a happy peaceful holiday time, excited children playing with their presents. Parents, grandparents, friends and families with full stomachs contentedly enjoying each others company and watching the kids play.

There’s a lot of pressure for Christmas time to be perfect.

Christmas Tree, Ornaments, Christmas
Image credited to Pixabay

That means it can be very difficult for people whose lives don’t fit into our impression of what Christmas should be.

It can be a very lonely time for people who don’t have many family or friends. Hearing everyone else’s plans when you don’t have any of your own can make loneliness worse.

It’s an expensive time for everyone. But the cost of it all, and the pressure to provide a perfect Christmas can be really difficult for those of us struggling financially.

Pound, Coins, Currency, Bank Note, Money
Image credited to Pixabay

For people who struggle with alcohol or have problems with their relationship with food, it can be very hard to navigate their way through all the social events.

Red Wine, Glasses, Log Fire, Red, Wine
Image credited to Pixabay

People who by necessity have to go to work may feel guilt about being away from their families for that special day.

Families may be dealing with difficult situations, illness, bereavement, addiction, separation.

Christmas does have the potential to hurt as well as bring happiness.

Have a wonderful time but just keep a wee eye open for people who may be struggling. Pass on a little bit of kindness, it’s good for you (it really is) and it’ll make your Christmas feel even better. Give a gift to a local charity, sing some carols, take a mince pie to an elderly neighbour and spend a wee bit of time with them. If you know someone who is having a difficult time, check up on them. Something as simple as a text will let them know you’re there.

Christmas Carolers, Gentlemen Carolers
Image credited to Pixabay

Don’t push alcohol and food – if someone says no thanks, accept it.

If you’re working try and take a bit of Christmas with you. I’ve worked many many Christmases over the years, and generally there’s a lovely atmosphere. We’re all in it together so we make the most of it. I’ve shared Christmas dinner with the staff on the ward. It’s amazing what you can do with a microwave and a George Foreman grill. On one memorable Christmas many years ago as junior doctors Laura and I even dressed as Christmas fairies and helped deliver the Christmas gifts with Santa.

Brussels Sprouts, Green, Round, Raw
Image credited to Pixabay

I’ve also had some very difficult Christmases with sick and dying patients, grieving relatives and ward staff under tremendous pressure. In all honesty a couple of Christmas’ like that are ingrained in my memory forever. You don’t just leave it at the hospital as you drive out the car-park. If someone you love has had a difficult Christmas, just be there for them – let them talk about it or not talk about, whatever feels right, and give them a bit of leeway if they’re not in the most festive of moods.

I’m going to share links for people who need help at Christmas:

For people struggling with suicidal thoughts, low mood or other mental health issues:

https://www.samaritans.org/scotland/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/

https://breathingspace.scot/

https://www.samh.org.uk/find-help

http://www.elament.org.uk/

For people looking for help with alcohol or drug addiction:

https://www.sfad.org.uk/support-services/helpline

https://www.addaction.org.uk/

For people who may be lonely:

https://www.befriend.org.uk/more-info

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/scotland/

Window, View, Out, Christmas, Winter
Image credited to Pixabay

We wish you happiness and peace this Christmas,

Izzy & the team at AYOSC


    4 replies to "And So Happy Christmas"

    • Angela Murphy

      Great article

    • M Coia

      Thanks for all the great informative advice this year. Love it. Happy Christmas to all at AYOSC
      Mary

    • Laura Taylor

      Thanks for the support. Have a great 2020

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