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When Christmas is Hard
Former Member
Obnoxiously Large AnchorPosts: 1,201 Wise Owl
Hey all - I love spreading Christmas cheer as much as the next person, however I'm also aware that Christmas can be difficult for many!
Some people don't have any family - through estrangement, care experience, death or other factors. Some people find living at home tough. Some people have falling outs. Some people are homeless. Some people can't afford Christmas. Some people can't be with the ones they want to be with. The list goes on.
I'm here to share some of my ✨top tips✨ to help deal with Christmas, when Christmas isn't good for you.
Space - find yourself a quiet place that you can retreat to! This could be your bedroom, maybe the bathroom, somewhere in the garden or going for a walk. Set a plan prior to the day so that in the moment you can retreat even if your mind isn't thinking straight! ☃️
Time - take some time for yourself! If you notice that things are getting a bit overwhelming, take a step to your safe space. Use counting methods to help bring you back to your senses. Some people find it helpful counting to 10 or 100 or counting backwards from 1000. This distracts your brain and helps you become aware of your surroundings. ⛄
Pets - spend time with your pets, whether that be as your only companion or because you need calming, your pet is the perfect one for the job. They release endorphins which will help you to relax and feel happy! Also they love a little extra smoochin'! 🌲
Self Care - get yourself some Christmassy bath bombs, face masks, candles and body wash! Set yourself a cosy bath and ✨r✨e✨l✨a✨x✨, stick on a Christmas film, bake some gingerbread or do your favourite self care routine! 🎁
If Christmas isn't your thing and you need a distraction -
• music
• movie night - with your fav snacks
• go for a walk
• write something!
• clean your room
• bake/cook
• learn something new!
• redecorate your room
• donate something!
These are just my top tips but I'd love to hear yours! Add below suggestions of ways to distract and help Christmas go smoothly!
🎅🤶🎅🤶🎅🤶🎅🤶🎅🤶🎅🤶🎅🤶🎅
Some people don't have any family - through estrangement, care experience, death or other factors. Some people find living at home tough. Some people have falling outs. Some people are homeless. Some people can't afford Christmas. Some people can't be with the ones they want to be with. The list goes on.
I'm here to share some of my ✨top tips✨ to help deal with Christmas, when Christmas isn't good for you.
Space - find yourself a quiet place that you can retreat to! This could be your bedroom, maybe the bathroom, somewhere in the garden or going for a walk. Set a plan prior to the day so that in the moment you can retreat even if your mind isn't thinking straight! ☃️
Time - take some time for yourself! If you notice that things are getting a bit overwhelming, take a step to your safe space. Use counting methods to help bring you back to your senses. Some people find it helpful counting to 10 or 100 or counting backwards from 1000. This distracts your brain and helps you become aware of your surroundings. ⛄
Pets - spend time with your pets, whether that be as your only companion or because you need calming, your pet is the perfect one for the job. They release endorphins which will help you to relax and feel happy! Also they love a little extra smoochin'! 🌲
Self Care - get yourself some Christmassy bath bombs, face masks, candles and body wash! Set yourself a cosy bath and ✨r✨e✨l✨a✨x✨, stick on a Christmas film, bake some gingerbread or do your favourite self care routine! 🎁
If Christmas isn't your thing and you need a distraction -
• music
• movie night - with your fav snacks
• go for a walk
• write something!
• clean your room
• bake/cook
• learn something new!
• redecorate your room
• donate something!
These are just my top tips but I'd love to hear yours! Add below suggestions of ways to distract and help Christmas go smoothly!
🎅🤶🎅🤶🎅🤶🎅🤶🎅🤶🎅🤶🎅🤶🎅
Post edited by JustV on
3
Comments
You mentioned baking gingerbread. I would really recommend baking them using "Janes Patisserie" gingerbread recipe! Made some christmas gingerbreads the other day and they're the best
Another tip - maybe you could plan a day to celebrate something else that makes you happy. For example, I love drag race. So I could plan a drag race day where I watch my favourite episodes, listen to related songs, try a new makeup look etc. Planning a day for you with something you love may help to minimise any pressure or expectations around Christmas Day, because you have this lovely day to look forward to
Thanks for starting this thread and for sharing your tips, I'm sure they will be super helpful to others
This will help others no end! What an incredibly thoughtful thing you've done, thank you!