Embracing a meaningful Christmas

For many, Christmas is a season of joy and togetherness, but for those facing loneliness or financial hardship, it can feel overwhelming.

Public Health Liverpool are reaching out with ideas about things you can do to feel better and information about help that’s available over the winter and festive period.

Advice for Dealing with Loneliness

• Don’t compare yourself: Social-media often presents a perfect, and unrealistic, version of Christmas. Remember that most families have their own challenges, and what you see online is not the full picture. If social media starts to worsen feelings of isolation, consider taking a break from it for a while.
• Embrace your own time: Being alone isn’t the same as being lonely. Quiet time can be an opportunity to engage with a beloved hobby, read a book, watch a favourite film, or learn a new skill. The festive break is the perfect time to treat yourself with kindness.
• Stay connected: Reach out to friends, loved ones, neighbours with a phone call, text, or video chat. Connect with like-minded people and those that share your hobbies and interests through community groups or online.
• Give back to others: Volunteering is a rewarding way to meet new people and shift your focus from towards a more positive outlook. You can browse options and find advice online about volunteering opportunities that work for you.
• Being active in nature: Wrap up warm and embrace the winter wonderland of Liverpool’s parks and green spaces. A walk in the park or a quiet outdoor space can boost your mood and provide a fresh perspective.

Advice for Celebrating on a Budget

• Focus on experiences: A memorable Christmas isn’t all about expensive gifts, it’s more about creating special moments and memories. You can find festive cheer and comfort at home watching Christmas films or making crafts, and there are great free experiences to explore out and about in Liverpool: https://www.visitliverpool.com/blog/post/free-things-to-do-in-liverpool-at-christmas/
• Rethink gift-giving: Talk to family and friends about setting spending limits or trying a “Secret Santa” gift swap. Consider giving homemade gifts or “coupons” for your time and your help, like offering to cook a meal or help with a project. It’s also easier than ever to find high-quality, second-hand items online or in charity shops for a fraction of the cost.
• Cut down on food costs: Plan your Christmas menu in advance and consider cheaper alternatives. There are great budget-friendly Christmas recipes available online. At get togethers plan for everyone to bring a dish and share the cost.
  Start new traditions: Begin a new tradition like a festive film night with hot chocolate, a board game night, or a family-friendly quiz. These are the moments that children and adults will remember most fondly forever. Gift yourself a Happy Christmas!

By focusing on what you can control – your thoughts and ideas, your actions, and your relationships and kindness to yourself and others you can create a special Christmas that is rich in meaning, regardless of your circumstances.

Help and Hope is Always Out There

If you are feeling lonely or stressed about money, remember that this season and the difficulties it can bring are temporary. There is support available if you need it.

For practical advice on keeping well over winter and help with heating your home, financial assistance and tips for looking out for loved ones and neighbours to keep ourselves and our community thriving through the colder months visit: https://liverpool.gov.uk/keep-well-in-winter/

For Liverpool-based Christmas Food Support services and resources visit: https://www.feedingliverpool.org/liverpool-christmas-support-page-2025/

Mental Health and Wellbeing Support

Sometimes, when things get tough, we need extra help and support with our mental health and wellbeing. Kind to your Mind Liverpool provides lots of information and support on mental health and wellbeing in Liverpool including how to self-help or get help when you need it and what to do when your or someone you know is in crisis: https://kindtoyourmindliverpool.co.uk/

Community organisations help you connect with activities and support to improve wellbeing and mental health. They can help you access support with challenges like loneliness or money worries and positive activities like learning opportunities and community events:

https://www.liferooms.org/
https://www.evertoninthecommunity.org/projects/minds/accessing-mental-health-support/
https://psspeople.com/how-we-can-help-you
https://www.liverpoolfc.com/foundation/programmes

• GPs can help with mental health and wellbeing and connect you with available support.
• For 24-Hour listening support call Samaritans on 116 123 or https://www.samaritans.org/
• NHS Talking Therapies help with poor mental health, call 0151 228 2300 or visit https://www.merseycare.nhs.uk/our-services/liverpool/talking-therapies
• For mental health support for children and young people visit https://www.liverpoolcamhs.com/

Anyone in need of immediate support with a mental health crisis can call 111 and select the mental health option to access urgent mental health support.

For Emergency Help – If you or someone you know is in immediate danger dial 999.

Cabinet Member for Public Health, Cllr Harry Doyle, said:

“The festive spirit isn’t measured by gifts under a tree or a crowded dinner table, it’s found in kindness, connection, and self-care.

“Liverpool is a diverse city full of colourful characters and communities, there are lots of different ways of celebrating the festive season.

“Let’s embrace the idea that there are many ways to enjoy this time of year by focusing on what really matters. A meaningful and positive Christmas is within everyone’s reach.”

Professor Matt Ashton, Director of Public Health, said:

“The festive season can be a really difficult time for many of us, as we remember our loved ones, think about absent friends, or worry about day to day challenges that haven’t gone away just because we are surrounded by Christmas lights. The good news is there is lots of support out there for anybody who is having a challenging time over the festive season.

“Talking to someone about how you are feeling or finding something to do are both positive actions you can take in order to help yourself. And we can all play a role in making sure our friends and neighbours are ok this Christmas.”