‘Tis the season to be jolly, yet it’s not so simple for everybody.  I haven’t written a conscientious piece in  while, but I think it’s about time that I do.

Whilst we’re gathering with friends, knocking back Prosecco and blasting out Christmas songs, it might not be quite so merry and bright for others- whether they show it or not. Yes, it’s Christmas and yes, it’s supposed to be a time of happiness, love and joy, yet it’s not invincible. Amongst the celebrations, we can still suffer from grievance, heartbreak, loneliness, depression and the list goes on.

I saw an ad on the tube last week. It showed an old lady alone at Christmas with absolutely nobody around. Unable to make a festive call to a loved one, never mind somebody to pull a cracker with across the dinner table. An advert yes, but a very real one at that. It made me think. For some, Christmas is the most difficult time of the year no matter what their struggle. Of course, why wouldn’t it be? It’s a time that we’re supposed to be happy, we have to buy presents and if you don’t join in on the fun you’re an absolute scrooge.

Now I’m going to keep this post short and sweet, as it could get rather depressing and I really don’t want to inflict that on you first thing on a Monday. My point is that everybody has their own issues to deal with and they don’t just disappear because it’s Christmas. So don’t forget to smile and be kind. Do something good for somebody else if you can. You never know, it could make all the difference.

For those of you that are going through a tough time, I guess what I really just wanted to say is, keep you’re head up. What may not seem like ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ can be (or can be made better) if you come at it with the right attitude. Let heavy hearts rest, don’t be too hard on yourself and do something good for yourself and for somebody else. Plan how you can step away from your troubles and take action. As a friend of mine once told me, ‘all bad things come to an end,’ and it’s true- it’s just how you choose to get there that makes the difference.

Sending love to you all this Christmas time. xx