Nearly one in three adults fear they will be lonely this festive period, with a quarter feeling an increase in loneliness over the last five years. The research, conducted with 2,000 adults who celebrate Christmas, found that 49 per cent worry about getting lonelier as they get older. Some will be eating Christmas dinner alone, and many won’t have the chance to update friends and family about changes in their lives over the past year. To combat loneliness, 37 per cent will send a thoughtful card and a third will invite a loved one they are worried about for a meal.
Hallmark commissioned the research and created a heartwarming video that brought children to visit older folks in a care home in Leeds to explore what it’s like being lonely at Christmas. The children learned about how hard it can be to feel alone during this time of year and were encouraged to reach out to loved ones who may be missing them. Ruth Turner-Blood, head of writing at Hallmark, emphasized the importance of small gestures during the festive season and how reaching out can make a significant difference for those feeling lonely. Forty-six per cent of adults believe spending time with loved ones is the most meaningful way to show care at Christmas, and 44 per cent will specifically send a card to someone they think may be experiencing isolation.
The research also found that 34 per cent of adults will call or video chat with someone they can’t see in person to help combat loneliness, while half believe that enjoying a delicious festive lunch is the best way to make themselves feel better during the Christmas period. Decorating the tree and finding other ways to immerse oneself in the festive spirit was also noted as a way to combat loneliness. Turner-Blood stressed that even something as simple as sending a thoughtful message in a card can show someone that they are in your thoughts, especially if they are feeling isolated. The goal is to help people feel more connected during the festive season and demonstrate how small gestures can make a meaningful impact on someone’s well-being.
The top ten things people are doing to help others feel less lonely at Christmas include sending a thoughtful card, inviting them for a meal, sharing a small gift, cooking a meal for them, including them in family events, arranging a surprise visit, planning a festive outing, offering a video call, creating a care package, and organizing a group call. These actions aim to provide comfort and support to those who may be feeling isolated during the holiday season. Turner-Blood emphasized the importance of these gestures in showing care and compassion to those who may be struggling with feelings of loneliness or isolation, highlighting the impact that small acts of kindness can have on someone’s well-being.
The festive season is often associated with joy and togetherness, but for many people, feelings of loneliness can intensify during this time. The contrast between the idealized image of a happy family celebration and the reality that some individuals face can be stark. Turner-Blood noted that small gestures can make a significant difference during the festive season, emphasizing the importance of reaching out to loved ones and offering support to those who may be feeling isolated. The research found that a significant number of adults are taking steps to combat loneliness during the Christmas period, such as sending cards, inviting loved ones for meals, and staying connected through phone calls or video chats. These actions aim to promote a sense of connection and belonging, helping to alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation during the holiday season.
