Tori_Scope said:

Christmas will be different for most of us this year and, for some people, this will mean spending the festive period alone. 

The Guardian have reported that it's estimated around 8% of people in the UK will be spending Christmas alone this year, which is around double what it's usually thought to be.

Of course, some people enjoy spending the Christmas period alone, and that's totally fine, but others might be feeling a little lonely, even if they don't celebrate Christmas.

I've collected together a few ideas of what to do if you're worried about feeling lonely over the festive period.

Interact on the online community

It should go without saying that your friends on the online community are always here for you if you're feeling lonely at any time, including over the Christmas period. 

We've got lots of fun Christmas-themed content coming up, and I'm sure you'll all have lots to chat about throughout December too!

Connect with people on Twitter by using #JoinIn

The comedian Sarah Millican runs a #JoinIn initiative on Twitter each year. By using this hashtag, you can connect with others who might be feeling alone or low. It's a great way to chat to new people and have a laugh online.

Get in touch with a friend or family member

Some people have friends and family they'd usually spend Christmas with, but might not able to meet with this year due to the restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

If you're in this position, there are plenty of ways you could stay in touch with your friends and family over the Christmas period:

• Phone call
• Video call
• Social media
• Email
• Text
• Letters and cards

Equally, if you know that a friend or family member might be feeling lonely this Christmas, then consider giving them a call or text to check-in with how they're doing.

Sometimes it can be nice just to have a chat with the people you care about, but you could also arrange to do some activities. @Lou_Scope started a thread on socialising virtually, which you can use to start you off with a few ideas.

Sign-up for a call companion or befriender

Not everyone has friends or family, or people around them, that they enjoy speaking to. Some people also feel as though they don't want to 'burden' their loved ones with phone calls. If that sounds like you, then perhaps you could consider signing up to be matched with a call companion or befriender. 

Here are two examples of organisations you can use to be matched with someone who'll call you for a natter every one or two weeks. Phone befriending schemes are often run from local hubs, so it's worth looking around locally too. If you're struggling to find something, let me know and I'll have a search for you

• Reengage - for anyone living alone or in sheltered housing, who struggles to get out
• Age UK - for anyone over 60

You could also consider signing up to become a volunteer call companion or befriender yourself.

Stay active and busy

This is important for everyone, but it's especially important if you think you might feel a little lonely this Christmas. Here are a few ideas for activities you could do.

Go on some wintery walks or outings

This is good for getting some fresh air, and also for keeping yourself active. You could do this alone, or with a friend.

Make some tasty festive treats

@janer1967 helpfully created a thread for everyone to share their festive recipes. Stay tuned for some food-based content coming from us too...

Make your own Christmas crafts

Use that artistic flair you've been hiding to make some fun decorations or cards. You could decorate your own space with them, or even send them to others. 

Join an online group

Lots of events and activities have moved online due to the coronavirus pandemic, so there are plenty of groups to sign-up to this month, moving into 2021.

• Find out if Age UK is running anything for people in your area
• Join an online choir, such as the Sofa Singers
• See if there are any online book clubs running in your area. These are sometimes run by individuals, or local libraries

Are you worried about being alone this Christmas? What other activities could people do to keep themselves occupied over the Christmas period? 

Ross_Scope said:

Sounds like you definitely get good use out of your camper van @soconfused  

soconfused said:

Ross_Scope said:

Sounds like you definitely get good use out of your camper van @soconfused  

I've been living in a van or some type or another since days before all this Broke. I just got another one which is a bit bigger so I have more room   Off to Spain for Xmas tonight - going to sit on the beach on Xmas day in 29 degree heat with a beer  

soconfused said:

Merry Christmas all! I escaped to Portugal and it's about 16 here but no rain. I am sat on a cheap site for 2 weeks. I got out just before all the Dover stuff started.