Christmas is special for many of us for lots of reasons. A break from work, the chance to spend time with family and friends, the food or the presents.
Many of us go to church, and for some it is a time to mark the turn of the year as the days begin to lengthen again. We all celebrate in our own ways: most of us have our own small traditions that are such an important part of the season
It’s an essential part of our culture, society and economy.
Some of us will be working. Most shops close on Christmas Day, but for almost everyone in retail and hospitality it’s the busiest time of year. The TUC estimates that more than a million people, including hundreds of thousands in the NHS, care sectors and emergency services, will be at work on Christmas Day.
There is another group of people who really need our thoughts at this time of year.
Most of us will spend time with family and friends, but unfortunately not everyone will have someone to celebrate with – and some will feel isolated despite being with other people. For those who are struggling with loneliness, this time of the year can be particularly painful. Inequality makes it worse on all sort of levels. Expectations can be hard to live up to and it is easy to feel that we have failed.
Isolation is a significant issue for older and younger people aged 16 to 24.
30,000 people will call the Samaritans this month, 1000 of them on Christmas Day.
So, let’s be mindful of everyone who is working over Christmas: they serve us, care for us and look after us. We would all be poorer without them.
And, please, also be very mindful of those who might be on their own, or who may be feeling isolated – reach out to them if you can.
We all deserve to be in someone’s thoughts this Christmas.
If you feel you need them, the Samaritans are available 24/7 on 116 123.
