I’ve seen lots of advice for people who spend Christmas doing things they don’t want to, just because they feel they have to.

But what about people who enjoy their Christmas rituals – but something has changed this year and it won’t be the same?

Do any of these apply to you?

• Parents whose children have grown up and have their own partners so they won’t all be together this year
• New parents who are used to adult Christmases
• Someone who has lost someone this year – close family, distant family, friends.
• Separated or divorced parent who used to spend Christmas Day as a family unit and now have to navigate changes

If any of these sound familiar, what can you do?

• Accept that Christmas will be different this year and cut yourself some slack for that – it’s fine to mourn the passing of traditions that you enjoyed.
• Enjoy the memories of the types of Christmas you’ve had before. Share the memories with those around you. Laugh at the fun you had. Just because things are different this year doesn’t mean you can’t fondly remember previous Christmases.
• Make new traditions. Accept that your Christmas isn’t going to be the same as it was before and find something different that you can do for future Christmases, whether that’s having a special tree decoration, snuggling up for a film in the morning before lunch or going for a walk.
• Make some time for yourself. Just twenty minutes during the day when you can shut yourself away and relax will work wonders for you. Read, listen to some music, go for a walk, just breathe – do something for you rather than trying to please everyone around you.
• If you feel able to, embrace the new type of Christmas – it might feel strange to be part of a new Christmas tradition but immerse yourself in it – you might enjoy it!

Whatever your Christmas looks like this year, I hope you enjoy it.

13 December 2019