As Christmas Day approaches statistics show that as many as 25% of people will spend time on December 25 completely alone.

Age UK estimates that some 1.5 million older people will eat Christmas dinner alone this year, while 270,000 people aged 65 and over will go a whole week without speaking to anyone.

Whilst many may be enjoying the lead up and the big day itself with friends and loved ones, there are however many people that are lonely at Christmas, with statistics showing as many as 25 per cent are entirely on their own over the Christmas period.

Loneliness is a silent but significant often hidden issue during Christmas affecting people of all ages, social background, ethnicity and sexuality.

With the technology fuelled world evolving and changing quicker than we can keep up human interaction is becoming less and less, so if you or you know anyone that is worrying about being alone over this Christmas period, I have put together some gentle practical ways to cope, remembering to always do what is right for you at a level that you can cope with.”

Here are my top tips:

Accept and acknowledge how you feel - it is OK if you do not feel merry and bright. If you have someone you can share these feelings with, then do talk to them. If not, saying out loud “I am feeling disconnected at the moment” can help to take the edge off the actual feeling of loneliness.

Limit social media and comparisons - scrolling through perfect images of the perfect day can often make you feel worse. Mute, unfollow, or block things that have a negative impact on you, remembering that nothing is as it seems on social media. Take everything at your pace and what you can handle.

Do something kind for someone else - kindness can be infectious and change not only how you feel, but the receiver also. Whether it be leaving a nice comment, donating to a food bank, or volunteering it all can shift attention outward giving you a sense of purpose and inward glow.

Create your own special Christmas ritual - tailor the day to yourself, whether it be, a special movie, yummy breakfast, lighting a candle or playing your favourite music. Christmas does not have to look like everyone else’s. Do what is right for you

Join an online group - many charities and forums have Christmas day chats, livestreams, games. People like you can come together to spend the day together online.

Treat the day normally - there is nothing to say that you have to celebrate. If you would prefer to rest, read, watch films, clean the house or go for a walk, like every other day, then do it! We are often conditioned to follow what everyone else is doing but it is ok to do you and be you.

I work alongside two wonderful charities, The Chatty Café and The Marmalade Trust both of which can share details of face-to-face, in-person get togethers all over the UK for people who feel they need that human connection, so please do look them up.


Lynn Crilly is a counsellor and wellbeing expert. For more information visit www.lynncrilly.com