It's that time of year when we are all getting excited but for some people it’s a difficult time, full of regret or missing people we love.
 
Christmas is said to be a time for connecting with friends, family and having fun but it can also be time of loneliness. Indeed, the results of a 2018 survey looking at loneliness during christmas time in the UK revealed that 17% of people felt more lonely over the festive period.
 
Why do people feel lonely at Christmas? Here’s what the research says
Published: December 20, 2022 10.04am GMT
 
A study found out that for more than half a million older people feel sad at christmas. Christmas isn’t something to look forward to because it brings back too many memories of people who have passed away and happier times.
 
Age Concern -Published on 14 December 2018
 
Loneliness is subjective. Some may feel lonely and others relish time alone.
 
It would be great if a neighbour, colleague, relative didn't shy away from asking those around them what their christmas plans were. Reaching out to others yourself could just solve the problem for both of you. This would happen in an ideal world.
 
If you want to help yourself look for ways to help others at christmas time with voluntary work. Festive community events are often advertised in libraries and local shops.

Remember the best christmas present is the one you buy youself. You know what you like.
 
Lastly don't be too hard on your ELF.