This article was written by Eden, 22.
December pressures
Winter can be a really fun and enjoyable time for many – whether that be through celebrating the festive season, finishing up university or school for the holidays, or by taking part in winter activities such as ice skating. However, the darker evenings and colder mornings can make it hard to motivate yourself and can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. As well as this, in the winter season your usual routine might be disrupted. For example, sports clubs might be on a break and social outlets like universities, schools, and colleges might be closed, meaning that you might be getting out less and might have reduced social contact.
During winter, there is often a lot of pressure to have to be happy and act a certain way, often to please others. Seeing the ‘perfect’ festive period on social media with photos filled with outings, parties, and trips of friends can make it even harder, especially if you have other challenges that prevent you from doing these things, such as having a chronic illness or being a young carer.
The festive period can also bring some difficult memories, especially if you are grieving, and your holiday period might look a lot different than what it might have done previously.
Eden's experience
Growing up, I have always really enjoyed Christmas and have had traditions that I have carried through from my childhood into my adult life. I've always enjoyed taking part in secret Santa with my friends, attending Christmas parties at my taekwondo club, and I have always spent Christmas Day at my grandad's house.
These last few years, however, Christmas has been a lot different for me. Last year was the first Christmas that I didn’t spend it with my grandad, and it was hard to navigate. I didn’t really know what to do with myself that day. My mum was also finding it hard, so we decided to go for a drive and then watched movies that afternoon. We realised that we didn’t want to stay at home this year, so instead we are going to stay in a hotel. I also have gotten involved in volunteering! Grieving a loved one is hard, but reaching out for support when you need it, creating new traditions, and keeping connected to other friends and family can really help you to navigate what can be a difficult time.
Also, as someone who has a chronic illness, keeping connected can be hard during the winter months, and I know that I can often struggle seeing others on social media, especially as sometimes I don’t have the energy to take part. However, I have found ways that I have been able to keep connected to my friends and family such as by organising online movie nights and quizzes and by planning activities that are accessible.
5 ways to stay connected during the festive season
- Volunteering - lots of charities have specific volunteering roles for the festive period such as befriending or helping at food banks. Volunteering can give you the opportunity to meet new people and also give back and it’s a great way to develop your skills and do something meaningful over the festive period.
- Organising movie watch parties with friends or family – you can do this online or in person and it’s a great way to do something relaxing with friends and family.
- Taking care of yourself – self care is so important especially during the winter months and allowing yourself to set boundaries and take time out when needed can really help you to recharge.
- Keeping connected to friends and family – this could be through a phone or zoom call, an in person coffee catchup. Other people will be feeling the impact of winter isolation as well and will love to hear from you.
- Create new traditions – this can be done by yourself or with others. If your Christmas looks different this year, then why not create new traditions that you can look forward to each year.
Final reminders
Remember that you’re not alone and that there is support out there. Access all kinds of support across The Mix’s website and join the community for some light-hearted festive fun over the festive period!
I hope that over these next few months you can look after yourself and remember that the festive period doesn’t look the same for everyone and you don’t have to feel and act a certain way; just take it one day at a time.
This article is part of our 2025 Winter Campaign: Keeping In Touch - a campaign led by ten ten creative young people aged 18–25, each sharing their own winter survival tips to help you get through the season feeling connected.
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