‘Love Actually’, seen by many as the quintessential Christmas movie, emphasises love and community as the most important things needed for human happiness. The overwhelming image of Christmas blared at us from adverts, radio programmes, novels and those around us if of a time to spend with your loved ones- a time for family traditions and catching up with those close to us, a time for copious amounts of over eating and for giving extravagant presents. However, while Christmas is seen as a special time by many, for some - those most often overlooked in our society - it is a reminder of their loneliness and lack of a family to go to.
According to Age UK, more than two million people aged over 75 live alone, and more than one million say they have gone at least a month without speaking to a friend, neighbour or family member. This situation is not uncommon, but is felt all the more keenly at Christmas. At the time of year when we are expected to be celebrating with those close to us, people with no family left, or no way to get to them experience higher levels of depression and suicidal thoughts, which are amplified by the media’s representation of the season- a media which more often than not forgets about those who cannot be with their family at this time of year. That is not even to take into account those who are ostracised or estranged from their biological family, something common among LGBTQ+ people.
This festive season, spare a thought for those who have no one to spend their Christmas and New Years with. Charities like Age UK, The Campaign to End Loneliness and Independent Age all work with lonely people specifically at this time of year, and are always looking for volunteers to help out at events like the Big Lunch, or to host somebody for a meal on Christmas day. Thinking about all that you take for granted is particularly poignant at times like this, and human connection is something nobody should have to go without.
