Ho, Ho Ho ?

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The festive season can be a time of joy and for being with loved ones, but it can also be a stressful and lonely period. How are you feeling in this run-up to Christmas?

If you've recently been bereaved, you may be dreading spending your first Christmas Day without your loved one. Click here for help with coping with grief at Christmas.

Perhaps you have become estranged from family members and feel especially sad at this time of year, unable to find a route to reconciliation. Click here for help. 

Maybe someone has gone missing from your family and will not be home for Christmas. (Someone is reported missing every 90 seconds in the UK.) Click here to learn about 'Missing People', a charity dedicated to reconnecting missing people and their loved ones.

Some may have to spend Christmas day in hospital, too ill to come home. Others may be being cared for at home, but are too unwell to join in and enjoy the festivities. 

For many who are struggling with mental health problems the whole festive period may be difficult and stressful to handle. They may be finding it hard to admit to friends and family that they don't feel great and are struggling. Click here to learn how Christmas might affect your mental health and here for tips on how to look after yourself at this time.

Elderly people may be feeling lonely and isolated. Click here to learn more and to find out how you can help.

Spare a thought too for those having to work on Christmas Day, for example in the emergency services, or hospitals. If you're contemplating volunteering on the day here's a page to give you some ideas.

Samaritans offer help and advice whatever you're going through. To talk free to someone on the phone ring 116 123.

Writing prompt:

• Take a few moments now to reflect upon, and write about, why for some Christmas isn't the season to be jolly. 
• If you are one of those people, set a timer for six minutes and write down a plan of what you can do to help yourself.