Tis The Season to be Kind to Ourselves: How to deal with a Covid Christmas

As I sit here with a luxury box of biscuits whilst watching The Holiday, I thought I would write a post about how we must all be feeling about our Covid Christmas.

2020 hasn’t exactly been the easiest, and many of us thought of unwrapping presents, and filling our guts with unlimited turkey and Brussel sprouts as a break for the year we have endured.

The thought of having restrictions over the Christmas period because of the pandemic can cause many of us to feel anxious and uneasy.

We would never have thought we would have Christmas under lockdown not to spend this occasion with our loved ones. Maybe you have family that live far away, or you have spent every day since March with your family and wanted a little break to try not to rip each other’s’ hair out. Whether you are experiencing feelings of sadness, anxiousness, annoyance or any other negative emotions towards what is going on right now, remember that it is okay to feel this way.

These new rules will affect everyone differently, so we should be compassionate to others and ourselves. However you are feeling, be kind to yourself. We are in a completely new circumstance. You don’t have to be happy or enjoy Christmas if you are not feeling up to it. Don’t beat yourself up if you do not feel too festive or are a bit down in the dumps.

If covid restrictions have changed your Christmas plans or you are not feeling up celebrating. Here are a few ways you can make this day a little easier for you:

Make your favourite meal:

It does not have to be a turkey with all the trimmings – it could just be your favourite pasta or if you want you could have a slice cake and have it with custard for dinner (after all it is Christmas). Treat yourself and make something which makes you feel good.

Plan a zoom call with your family or friends:

If you cannot meet with your family in person, you could always plan a zoom call. Although it may not be the same as if you were together, it’s the next best things to get your spirits up. You could even create a Christmas quiz for you all to enjoy.

Watch some Christmas movies: even though they may have cheesy storylines, for me Christmas movies are a great way to feeling festive during the holidays.

Do an activity that makes you happy: whether it be painting a picture of your dog or knitting a jumper, do something to make you smile.

By no means do you have to do any of these ideas, but I hope they help you feel a little bit more festive during a time we may not feel like celebrating.

Please know, if you are struggling right now, you are not alone; many people are waiting to listen and support you. Asking for help doesn’t make you weak. Remember, you have made it through the very worst of days, and you are stronger than you think. I have added contacts and helpline numbers of the services which are open over the Christmas period.

SANE: leave a message on 07984 967 708 giving your first name and a contact number, and one of our professionals or senior volunteers will call you back as soon as practicable - www.sane.org.uk

Mind: call their helpline 0300 123 3393 or text 86463 - www.mind.org.uk

Samaritans: call 116 123 for free any day 24/7 -Samaritans.org

Young minds: call the parents helpline which is open from Monday- Friday 9:30 – 4pm 0808 802 5544

Although Christmas may not be as we planned this year, we are all in this together. Remember, this is only a temporary time of our life. Take this time of celebration to look after yourself conditionally, and to show yourself some compassion. Your feelings are valid; no one can tell you how to feel because no one knows what is happening in your head. Lean on people for support if you need it and take time for yourself. Instead of focusing on what you can’t do focus on what you can and look for new ways of spreading joy during this Christmas. This is the season to be kind to ourselves.

Here is a picture of young me enjoying Christmas at my primary school Christmas party - enjoy!