The holidays and loneliness: How do you cope?

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Somya.P

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29/11/2024 at 18:00

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Somya.P

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Hello everyone, how are you doing?

For many, the holiday season is a time of joy and connection, but for some, it can be a painful reminder of isolation or loss. Research has shown that loneliness is more intense during the holidays, particularly among older adults, who may be struggling with the loss of loved ones or limited social networks, or those living with chronic illnesses, or dealing with mobility challenges. These experiences are valid, and you’re not alone.

If this resonates with you, what helps you get through this time of year? Do you find comfort in small moments, by reaching out to loved ones, or even just taking it day by day?

@Diligaf @rayles @steft69 @Rolley @onealec10 @pavo123 @esmerelda @lar123 @andrea41 @Silverlady @rumer136 @kayg46 @LIZABETHA @wiltshireman @Tim Want @Yvonne7 @lesleyann @gfintel @lindabic21 @Highburymoon @Nanaclaire @Hoping! @terrydempsey @Elaine1958 @jane1968 @Bren21 @Rachels @tiger885 @smokitcat @lizhawksley @TwistedAngel @Tizzywizzy @Hollissam1 @Doreen49 @mikesalmons @bailey2 @Ollie123 @drake69 @sallymay @Bellotti @AnneRA @Mairead67 @Alvina @Sunderland1941 @Kk1995 @Charley13 @Linzi94 @Kareninez @lindog99 @lesmal @solmask @Jamesy7 @Gillyanna @Michelle05/12 @angieleo @markonthemend @KateParkin @muskee31 @Janetted @Juliadunkley @AliLittlewood @Nanabear @Onacrumble @Suet56 @AnthonyBaxter @MichaelHypno @Kaz1965 @Suesteele @Lynnfoxon @Timglenn1960 @Gerald2 @Gail71 @MimoBambino2 @Nettie60 @jsmith8899 @Clarkishere @Doodle18 @Sarahhes72 @Downinthedumps @Linda21 @Elegance12 @Hough111 @Maria30 @AmoB26 @Michelle166 @Elbie1 @cwright17 @Betdy27 @ColinSalter @Lawrenm1 @Garys64 @Rita14 @Nicwoz74 @Elk217015 @Tamara @marymack @SianPhillips @limsonbros @Manda01 @Adi12433

Your story could be a source of support for others in the community who might be feeling the same, so let’s create a space to share our experiences and uplift one another.

Take care,
Somya from the Carenity Team 🌼

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Mandy59

01/12/2024 at 15:24

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Mandy59

Last activity on 15/06/2025 at 15:38

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I don’t feel lonely. I like my own company and although l will see my daughter and her family on Christmas Day that is enough company for me for the holiday season. I am in the middle of a flare up so just want peace and quiet at the moment.

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M.Flood

The holidays and loneliness: How do you cope? https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/good-to-know/the-holidays-and-loneliness-how-do-you-cope-5495 2024-12-01 15:24:07

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LifeDelineator

01/12/2024 at 17:04

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LifeDelineator

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@Mandy59 - Even when calling, my well-intentioned acquaitences always ask, what are you doing, instead of how are you doing.

The holidays and loneliness: How do you cope? https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/good-to-know/the-holidays-and-loneliness-how-do-you-cope-5495 2024-12-01 17:04:17

Mandy59

01/12/2024 at 17:54

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Mandy59

Last activity on 15/06/2025 at 15:38

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@LifeDelineator

l gave up on a social life after people expecting too much of me. The meds make me sleepy, l have problems moving about and just because they couldn’t see the pain l was/ am in they felt l should exhibit more enthusiasm for get togethers. I am often asked what l have been up to and when l say not much as not been too good they tell me l should force myself to get out and about. Not as easy as it sounds when every step is like walking on broken glass. 😖 so l shall put on my big girl pants for Christmas Day and try to be a jolly person. It’s only for one day after all. 😂 l hope your holiday season goes well.
mandy 😊

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M.Flood

The holidays and loneliness: How do you cope? https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/good-to-know/the-holidays-and-loneliness-how-do-you-cope-5495 2024-12-01 17:54:30

LifeDelineator

01/12/2024 at 23:12

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LifeDelineator

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For a different reason , I prefer to stay home too. That is the constant reminder of how un-necessary I am to their obligatory meal.

Even though they may stop scrolling their messages, finger bowls have been replaced by cell phones , even at the, supposedly, most reverent meal of the year.

Despite the abundance of food, I always leave emptier than when I came in. Which is why I now, cordially, decline invitations. It is much easier to be ignored on line.

I hope you find more Christmas spirit than holiday reality. Perservere and take care.

The holidays and loneliness: How do you cope? https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/good-to-know/the-holidays-and-loneliness-how-do-you-cope-5495 2024-12-01 23:12:52

Mandy59

02/12/2024 at 09:48

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Mandy59

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@LifeDelineator

Thank you and l wish you all the best.

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M.Flood

The holidays and loneliness: How do you cope? https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/good-to-know/the-holidays-and-loneliness-how-do-you-cope-5495 2024-12-02 09:48:40

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LifeDelineator

01/12/2024 at 16:58

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LifeDelineator

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I just wish everybody askingthis, still grieving widower how my holdays were.

The holidays and loneliness: How do you cope? https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/good-to-know/the-holidays-and-loneliness-how-do-you-cope-5495 2024-12-01 16:58:39

lesmal

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08/12/2024 at 13:11

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lesmal

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Wishing everyone a Happy Christmas and all the best for 2025! It will be a quiet time of the year for me as I miss my dear mum, stepdad and my fur baby, Rhodie! My health has not been wonderful this year and I still struggle with constant seizures and trying to find compatible medication. My husband and I will be spending the day at home, with a home-cooked lunch (nothing special) as my brother is in England and has his children/grandchildren to celebrate with.

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Les

The holidays and loneliness: How do you cope? https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/good-to-know/the-holidays-and-loneliness-how-do-you-cope-5495 2024-12-08 13:11:42

millerkaren

22/12/2024 at 18:14

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millerkaren

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This will be my first Christmas without both of my parents as my dad died in February this year but I will be going to my sisters for Christmas Dinner and also to the cemetery

The holidays and loneliness: How do you cope? https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/good-to-know/the-holidays-and-loneliness-how-do-you-cope-5495 2024-12-22 18:14:28

LifeDelineator

23/12/2024 at 08:54

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LifeDelineator

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Don't expect anything, and you won't be disappointed.

The holidays and loneliness: How do you cope? https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/good-to-know/the-holidays-and-loneliness-how-do-you-cope-5495 2024-12-23 08:54:33

The holidays and loneliness: How do you cope?

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