Christmas doesn't have to be a lonely time

Nov. 28, 2011 - PRLog -- Don’t struggle on your own this Christmas

Christmas is a time for being with your loved ones, swapping presents and occasionally giving into overindulgence.  But what if you live alone and have no-one with whom you can spend the festive period?

It can be very lonely if you are on your own at Christmas – perhaps you normally see people on a daily basis at the corner shop, or have a visit from the milkman every morning.  At Christmas, these normal routines are often put on hold as the festivities take over, and so you can be left feeling very isolated and unhappy as a result.

If you are going to be alone this Christmas, why not make the most of activities open to the public to help you feel a part of things? In Essex, there are lots of different festive occasions taking place in the run up to December 25.  Why not pop along to the Christmas Craft Fair at Red House in Messing on December 11?  On the agenda will be festive food, gift and craft stalls and an exhibition by the Colne and Colchester branch of the Embroiders’ Guild.  The event takes place from 11am to 3pm – you can call 01621 815219 for more details.

Other Christmas fairs are being held at Greenacres in Sandon in Chelmsford on December 3, and at Roundwood Garden Centre in Braintree the day after.

Music can really help you feel festive, so perhaps you might pop along to a carol concert at Audley End House and Gardens in Saffron Walden on December 6 or a concert in aid of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity at St Botolph’s Church in Colchester on December 11.

If you do need a bit of extra support, Essex care services will also provide a helping hand to people on their own this Christmas, by ensuring that they have company over the holiday period.  Lots of groups hold Christmas day meals for those who would otherwise be alone, with transport often provided for those who can’t drive.

They will also organise social events so those on their own can get together and hopefully forge friendships which will continue long into the new year.  You never know who you might meet!

On the other hand, you may be someone who can give your support to someone in need at Christmas.  Many care services in Essex are on the look-out for volunteers who might be able to act as a driver, cook or just companion over the Christmas period and beyond. For many people who live alone, having someone pop in just for a cup of tea can make a world of difference.

Even those who work full-time can often spare an hour or two to do something positive for another member of their community – it can be as simple as checking on an elderly neighbour to ensure they have got food in the cupboard and are warm enough, or bringing them the local paper if they can’t get to the shops.

Whatever your personal circumstance, please don’t suffer in silence if you are worried about being lonely this Christmas.  Find your nearest care service in Essex and they’ll do their very best to help you.

Visit : http://essexcares.org

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