Christmas is an important traditional holiday in the West, much like the Chinese Lunar New Year, typically seen as a time of reunion, warmth, and a sense of belonging. However, for some people, the reality is not as rosy. This significant holiday can instead evoke feelings of loneliness, heaviness, and be filled with uncomfortable comparisons. When it comes to dealing with loneliness during Christmas, experts have shared some methods.
Paul Jones, Deputy Dean of Education and Student Experience at Aston University’s Business School in the UK, wrote on The Conversation website that loneliness is not about how many people are around you, but rather the connections between people and the lack of these connections.
He mentioned that around Christmas time each year, people’s emotional experiences tend to be more intense. Activities like decorating the Christmas tree or watching favorite movies can trigger memories. These memories may be related to others or to our past selves.
The way we measure time in December is different; psychologists call it “temporal anchoring.” This holiday acts like a golden thread weaving through our lives, pulling us back to the past. It often leads to reflecting on losses, who we have become, and what could have been. This kind of reflection can sometimes touch deep within our hearts.
Some individuals are more vulnerable during this time of year, especially those undergoing life changes or transitions. Recent breakups, relocations, diagnoses of illnesses, or unemployment can often lead to emotional turmoil. Others carry complex emotions related to family, grief, or past traumas, making it uncomfortable for them to put on a happy face.
Personality traits also play a role. Those with neurotic or perfectionistic tendencies are more likely to feel pain and loneliness if life doesn’t meet their expectations.
However, loneliness is a normal human response. It is the mismatch between our desire for social experiences and the reality. When there’s a gap between our authentic selves and who we think we should be, whether in social, emotional, or seasonal aspects, discomfort arises. The Christmas decorations and festivities can exacerbate this gap.
Jones pointed out that trying to “solve” loneliness with a to-do list is not the solution. The key is to listen to your needs. The following methods, based on insights from psychology and philosophy, are not quick fixes, but worth trying:
(1) Allow yourself to feel lonely
Loneliness is painful, but acknowledging its presence is not shameful. Trying to avoid it often yields little result. Embracing it and coexisting with it could be the first step in easing its grip.
(2) Create small rituals
Small daily habits can bring meaning and order, such as brewing a special cup of tea, rewatching a movie that resonates with you, or lighting a candle for someone you miss. Rituals not only connect you to bigger things but also to yourself.
(3) Redefine relationships
Having intimate relationships doesn’t necessarily mean having many people around. It can be sending messages, joining a quiet online space, or simply spending time alone. Writing in a diary, leaving voice messages, or reflecting during a walk can be ways to connect with your inner self.
(4) Celebrate your uniqueness
You are not a statistic. You don’t have to strive for the “average” level of mental health. Your emotional life belongs to you alone. A little deviation, a little quirkiness, these are signs of vitality.
(5) Find what works for you
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to Christmas. Whether taking a solitary walk, spending a day in pajamas, or calling a trusted person, the key is to respect your own needs.
Jones concluded that loneliness is not a problem to be solved or suppressed but a companion on our inner exploration journey. Sometimes, the most meaningful connections we can establish are with ourselves.
Another issue to be mindful of during Christmas is food poisoning, as people tend to indulge in feasting during this holiday season. If food is mishandled or contaminated, food poisoning may occur, leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, and overall discomfort.
Primrose Freestone, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Microbiology at the University of Leicester in the UK, wrote on The Conversation website that Christmas is a high-risk period for food poisoning throughout the year. People should avoid holiday eating habits that increase the risk of food poisoning:
(1) Not checking expiration dates
During the holidays, refrigerators are often filled with pre-purchased foods. If you don’t pay attention to the storage period, you might accidentally consume expired food.
Even if the food is within its expiry date, if the packaging looks bloated or if the food smells or looks abnormal after opening, it should not be consumed.
(2) Improperly thawing frozen poultry or inadequate washing
Large frozen poultry, such as turkeys, may take several days to thaw completely in the refrigerator. As the poultry sold by supermarkets and butchers is already washed, there’s no need to wash it before cooking, as doing so increases the risk of food poisoning.
(3) Incomplete cooking of the Christmas feast
Poultry meat may contain bacteria, and it must be thoroughly cooked throughout to be safely consumed. Using a food thermometer can be helpful. The thickest part of the poultry should reach at least 75 degrees Celsius before it’s safe to eat, as this temperature effectively kills foodborne pathogens.
(4) Neglecting handwashing and kitchen hygiene
After handling raw food, be sure to thoroughly wash hands with soap and water. Clean and disinfect cutting boards, knives, and countertops to prevent cross-contamination.
(5) Improperly storing leftovers
Leftovers should be cooled, covered, and refrigerated within two hours, and eaten within two days. If you can’t finish the leftovers within two days, freeze them. Storing leftovers at -18 degrees Celsius can keep them safe for up to three months.
(6) Dining out
Around 60% of food poisoning cases in the UK are linked to dining out. Even in restaurants with high hygiene ratings, food can still be contaminated by people, insects, or the environment. Buffets are particularly risky, as perishable foods may be left out for too long.
Freestone advises that following these food safety tips can help reduce the risk of food poisoning during Christmas.