AUTHOR: Dr Susan Palmer
Laughter, food, and happy moments with family and friends bring joy to so many at this time of year. But for those who are unwell, grieving, or caring for someone, the festive season can feel very different.
Instead of joy, it can bring loneliness, sadness, and stress. When just getting through the day is already hard, the holidays or special gatherings can make everything feel even tougher. Preparing food, decorating, or joining in on traditions might feel impossible.
For families caring for someone, the responsibilities don’t stop just because it’s the festive season.
And for those missing someone they love, it can be a painful reminder of who isn’t there.
This is why support from family and friends matters so much at this time of year. But providing that support doesn’t have to be a big deal. It might just be…
- A quick message to say you’re thinking of someone
- Offering to help them with a task that feels overwhelming
- Stepping in take over daily responsibilities so they can get out and enjoy themselves
- Dropping off festive essentials so they don’t have to think about it
- Letting them know it’s okay for things to look a little different this year
And while each person and family will be different in many ways – they will all be needing the same thing…
Love, care, and connection.
Take a moment to think about how you can offer a little extra kindness this festive season.
Let’s all show up, help out, and remind people they’re not alone. ❤️
