I’m sitting mulling over Christmas. There’s no escaping it. No matter what radio station or TV channel you put on it’s full of jingling bells, bright colours and general hilarity. It’s a lot to live up to.
Some people put themselves under enormous pressure to have the perfect day but life really doesn’t turn out like that. I’ve found the more pressure I put myself under the more things go wrong. Although in saying that I’m googling how long do you need to defrost a turkey for….not that I even like turkey but it’s a tradition don’t you know.
This is my first Christmas without my parents. I’m OK about it. Sometimes it’s hard being a loner though. I went around the market yesterday and everyone was with someone and I wasn’t. It was OK though because the stall holders are so nice and most of them had a chat with me.
I’ve found the nicest thing for me this Christmas has been the gratitude. We had a Christmas card from an organisation who advertise with Sligo Hub, thanking us and I got a really lovely message today from someone thanking me for my support. I also got beautiful flowers and chocolates from a lovely lady. It’s the little things that make the difference.
I’m grateful that I’ll have my family with me this year. I’m grateful that this year I’m not worried about bills, I’ll never forget those years of the sickening feeling in my stomach knowing a bill was due two days after Christmas. The panic trying to sell things to make ends meet, thank goodness it isn’t like that this year.
I know for many people Christmas is a hard time for one reason or another. If you happen to be in Sligo there are a few things happening that even if you don’t want to join in with you can go and watch or maybe volunteer. You can find out more on Sligo Hub.
Try to remember it’s just a couple of days and things will soon be back to normal – whatever that is. If you need support these numbers may be of help:
Samaritans
Whatever you are going through, Samaritans can help.
Freephone: 116123
Text: 087-2609090 (standard text rates apply)
ALONE
If you or an older person you know needs support.
Helpline: 01-6791032
Childline
Need someone to talk to?
Helpline: 1800-666666
Text TALK to 50101 (10am to 4am)
Women’s Aid
“Christmas is a time of hurt, fear, intimidation, intentional cruelty for women with sudden flashes of violence directed at them and their children.”
Helpline: 1800-341-900
AnyMan
Supporting men experiencing domestic abuse.
Helpline: 0818-22-22-40
Aware
Helpline: 1800-80-48-48
Pieta House
Pieta House provides a free, therapeutic approach to people who are in suicidal distress and those who engage in self-harm.
Helpline: 1800-247-247
Text HELP to 51444
Mental health support services
Magnumlady Blog 
Very good post Val, the truth is Xmas is a human invention a mass hysteria linked to advertising and religious ideology. this delusion affects us all and if we arnt two careful we can get sucked into the highs and lows of this nonsense it can trigger all sorts of negative thoughts and behaviors.. we need a new set of social norms for a rational future ….
Thank you for sharing. That 1st Christmas without parents really is a different feeling. These are extremely important support networks you shared. Thank you!