Lonely this Christmas
For some, this Christmas will be far removed from the idealised and romanticised movie depiction.
In the movies, Christmas means snow on the ground and children riding toboggans down beautifully landscaped hills. Choirs of carol singers provide the soundtrack as extended families gather in their Christmas jumpers around a tree adorned with immaculate decorations. Children wake “with their eyes all aglow” to see what elaborate and expensive gifts that Santa has delivered to reward them for 12 months of good behaviour.
For many, the reality will be very different indeed.
Here in the UK, there is precious little chance of a white Christmas. Anyone attempting to produce a snow angel this year will find themselves covered in mud. The carol singers will mostly stay at home for fear of being abused, mugged or arrested for not having the right license. And, in the midst of a cost of living crisis, Santa’s sack will likely be much smaller and lighter this year.
But the biggest difference between the Christmas we see on TV and the one that many will experience will be those shots of sweater-wearing families. For many — too many — there will be no Christmas tree; no cosy sweaters; and no family. For many, Christmas day will be just another day; a day like any other. A day of loneliness and isolation.
Some will be forced to endure the festivities sleeping rough on freezing cold streets because they have nowhere to live. Some are separated from their families and friends. And, sadly, some have no family or friends to speak of. At a time of togetherness, many will find themselves alone. Alone and lonely and isolated.
When I sit down for my Christmas dinner this year, I will do so with seven of my nearest and dearest. On Boxing Day, I will repeat the exercise with my eldest daughter and my three grandsons.
On both days, there will be two empty spaces at our table. I lost both my parents last year and so I shall raise a toast to absent friends. But I shall toast them surrounded by my loved ones.
Some will not be quite so lucky.
