By Helen Birch (Training & Education Officer)
What does Christmas and the festive period look like to you? Twinkling lights, adorned trees, aromas that stir fond memories, certain songs on repeat year after year, warmth, wonder and beauty, a sense of belonging and togetherness?
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, Christmas is ‘the festival marking the birth of Christ, celebrated by most Western Christian churches on the 25th of December. Also more generally: an extended period including the days immediately before and after the 25th of December, commonly devoted to festivity and celebration’.
25th December was the day the Romans recognised as the winter solstice, or ‘Sol Invictus’, as they called it. This event fed into a holiday named Saturnalia (after the Roman god Saturn) which marked the start of seed planting for the new year. However, perhaps as early as 10,000 BC, pagans celebrated the winter solstice. The winter solstice marks the occasion when light returns to the world as days get increasingly long – a sign that flowers, trees and plants will soon be resurrected, and that crops will start growing again.
While Christmas creates hope and magic for many, it also gives many a much-needed break from work responsibilities; however, this is not the case for all.
For us here at Harmless, we take Christmas and all other holidays seriously, not just for our employees but also our communities (that means you!). We opt for reduced services over this period. We do this so that our workforce, regardless of beliefs, get a much-deserved break from our often highly stressful (but highly rewarding) sector. Everyone can recharge their personal batteries to ensure we protect our Harmless family and increasing wellbeing. This filters into the support we offer – as you cannot pour from an empty cup, wellbeing is so pivotal.
However, we are acutely aware that Christmas is not restful for everyone and does not necessarily support their wellbeing. In fact, it can often have the opposite effect. There are many who would love to have some time off work to rest and recover with their loved ones, but their role does not have that luxury or it is simply not an option financially. This can impact wellbeing and cause mental health to deteriorate.
There also are those who do not celebrate Christmas and may experience exclusion from communities due to faith. This too can cause isolation and increase stigma around different faith groups leading to feelings of otherness.
The festive period is about coming together regardless of faith and/or beliefs. It is about sharing time, conversation and food. We can see that this has happened over time from Christmas being solely a religious celebration to its modern-day interpretation.
There are many faiths who are aware of the negative impact Christmas can have on some people and, regardless of belief, offer support to those around them. Faith communities can play a key role in helping people get through, supporting with food drives, special services, events and gatherings (that often include a shared meal). Throughout December, many houses of worship are bustling with activity and opportunities to engage with community.
For many, Christmas does not create hope. Mind have shared some of the negative impacts that you may experience:
- Mental health can create difficulties in spending Christmas how and where you want to.
- Christmas can exacerbate mental health or make it harder to manage.
- Services can shut and therefore your usual support routes may not be available
- Routines can be disrupted
Mind also have some handy tips for navigating Christmas.
There is support out there and many ways to reduce the isolation many feel at this time of year. Whether Christmas is joyful, neutral, complicated or something to simply ‘get through’, it’s important to know that you are not alone.
• Reach out to someone you trust – a friend, neighbour, colleague or community contact
• Connect with community spaces – libraries, faith centres, mutual aid groups, warm hubs
• Use digital communities – online peer groups, forums, helplines and virtual meet-ups
• Keep to grounding routines where possible – sleep, food, movement, rest
• Give yourself permission to feel how you feel – there is no ‘right’ way to experience this season
For some, this period may also bring thoughts of self harm or suicide. Although Harmless and The Tomorrow Project will be running reduced services between 19th December and 5th January, if you or someone you know is struggling, support is available:
The Samaritans
116 123
Open 24/7 • 365 days a year
The Mix
Text ‘THEMIX’ to 85258
For those aged 25 or under Open 24/7 • 365 days a year
SHOUT
Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258
Open 24/7 • 365 days a year
Hopeline247
0800 068 4141
For those aged 35 or under
Open 24/7 • 365 days a year
In an emergency call the Emergency Services by dialling 999 or 111. (Only call 999 if there is a life-threatening emergency or if someone needs urgent medical attention – otherwise call 111).
At Harmless, we believe that compassion, connection and understanding should not pause for the festive season. As we step into this period, let’s hold space for all experiences – joy, grief, pressure, exhaustion, celebration, disconnect, hope and everything in between.
Community isn’t defined by a date on the calendar – it’s created through care, acknowledgement and the small acts that remind people they matter.
However this season looks for you, we see you.
You are not alone.
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Sources:
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/christmas-and-mental-health/christmas-and-mental-health/
https://www.oed.com/dictionary/christmas_n1?tab=meaning_and_use#9369863
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Christmas
