Will you be lonely this Christmas?

Tori_Scope
Scope Posts: 12,462 Championing
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.
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!
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:
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.
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

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
- Text
- Letters and cards
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
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?
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Comments
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Thank you for sharing this with us @Tori_Scope, some really useful ideas
Thank you.
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That's lovely @woodbine
I'm sure they'll really appreciate it!
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No problem @WestHam06, I'm glad it's given you some ideas0
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I'll be on my own on Christmas Day, the same as some of the past few years.....not usually a problem, as my son & daughter-in-law usually celebrate Christmas with me a little earlier due to work commitments, etc. This year apparently they would appreciate a 'take away' Christmas meal as they worry about having a meal with me in my home.Last year my lovely friend thespiceman & I were both on the community on Christmas Day; Adrian & other members were also there which was great. This year I'm going to miss thespiceman dreadfully (I fear something has happened, as I haven't heard from him for some weeks).I would appreciate each & every one of you who can give a little time to the community on Christmas Day, & over the Christmas/New Year period to do so, thinking about thespiceman, thank you.1
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I'm sorry to read you've not heard from thespiceman in a few weeks @chiarieds. If you're concerned something has happened it may be worth you speaking to the police and trying to organise a welfare check. Hopefully he's just been caught up with something but if you've other reason to be concerned it's worth checking up.
I'll definitely be popping on over Christmas again this year and I hope lots of our members and volunteers can spare time to say hello too.
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I'm surprised at that 8% figure, and the fact it's double the norm. Surely there are more than 4% of Brits that don't even celebrate Christmas?
I'll be spending Christmas alone through choice. Will probably come on here for a bit as I do every day lol.1 -
OverlyAnxious said:I'm surprised at that 8% figure, and the fact it's double the norm. Surely there are more than 4% of Brits that don't even celebrate Christmas?
I'll be spending Christmas alone through choice. Will probably come on here for a bit as I do every day lol.1 -
Hi I have Autism, amongst other disabilities. I only have a few friends. I expect I will see at least one friend over Christmas. I use to get terribly lonely but I've lived on my own since 2007. I'm now okay with my own company. I was invited to a Christmas lunch with a friends family, from Church, one year. Found it terribly stressful, so I would be happy to see just one friend on Christmas day.3
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Hopefully you'll get to see a friend over Christmas then @cjbraiden. Are you able to organise something with them now, and get it booked in?0
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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
- Text
- Letters and cards
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
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?1 -
I'm sorry that you were made redundant, and that you aren't able to visit your family this Christmas @IrishManc. I'm glad that you've been keeping in touch with them online though
Will you be able to meet or speak with any friends (safely, of course) over the Christmas period?
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I have a dad who is in his 80s and my nan is in her 90s they live together after my mum died.. They are not doing anything for xmas although I have offered to go over and park on their drive for a few days. They declined.
As for me, I am never lonely - always someone to interact with. Even as I type this I am sat in a private field. it's blowing a gail and raining hard and it's very cold outside but I have my Gas heating on In the Motorhome - I am dry and tummy is full!
So I am happy and will be on Xmas day too0 -
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Ross_Scope said:
Off to Spain for Xmas tonight - going to sit on the beach on Xmas day in 29 degree heat with a beer
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Hi everyone! I hope you're all managing okay, despite everything that's going on. I know that I'm struggling a bit with some of the changes that have been made recently (my brother will now be alone this Christmas, and I'm also now somewhat stuck in tier 4, away from my home in Leeds), so can appreciate that we're all dealing with the current situation in our own way.
I just wanted to pop on to share this resource from Mind on Christmas and coronavirus, which includes information on:- difficult feelings about Christmas during coronavirus
- ideas for celebrating Christmas during coronavirus
- spending Christmas alone during coronavirus
- Samaritans: call 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org
- SHOUT: text SHOUT to 85258
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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.1
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woodbine said:We have neighbours who will not see anyone over Christmas so we have invited them for drinks and something to eat on the night, we would invite them for Christmas dinner but they like to eat at noon and we eat around 4pm, we are also seeing other neighbours on Boxing day who otherwise would be alone all day.0
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