Navigating a difficult festive season

Ah, the festive season – for many, a time for twinkling lights, warm mince pies, and the comforting embrace of family. But life's unpredictable twists can throw challenges our way at this time of year, from the threat of snow and ice to the reality of celebrating without a cherished family member.

Missing a special someone during the holiday season can be traumatic, and bereavement affects different people in different ways. Likewise, this time of year can for many prove to be an emotional or unwanted reminder of bad memories. This year in particular, at the Trust we’re very conscious that a whole multitude of events across the world could make this season a difficult one for families near and far.

At the National Emergencies Trust, we work with disaster survivors who often tell us that anniversaries, holidays and festivities can be emotionally complex, particularly when lives have been lost as a result of a disaster.

Learning from survivors and working alongside bereavement services and specialists across the UK, we can signpost to the following resources for guidance about dealing with Christmas if it’s a tricky time of year:

Tips from Cruse on how to cope with grief at Christmas.

• Our National Charitable Partner, Cruse, share further tips on managing grief at Christmas on their website (opens in a new tab).
• Mind, also a National Charitable Partner of the Trust, share some tips to look after your mental health at this time of year (opens in a new tab).
• Winston’s Wish share some guidance on coping with grief at Christmas (opens in a new tab), which is more tailored to young people.
• Finally, here’s one last tip (opens in a new tab) from Barnardo’s about staying safe over Christmas.

If you're struggling, don't hesitate to reach out to loved ones or support services. There are many brilliant charities and services out there for you, to help you through this period. Cruse (opens in a new tab) can be reached on their Helpline at 0808 808 1677 (opens in a new tab). For younger people struggling with grief, you can call the Winston’s Wish (opens in a new tab) Freephone Helpline on 08088 020 021 (opens in a new tab) (8am-8pm, Monday to Friday), email ask@winstonswish.org (opens in a new tab) or use their live chat (open 3-8pm, Monday to Friday).

Extend a helping hand

Disasters have a way of bringing communities together, and the festive season is the perfect time to extend a helping hand. We suggest checking in on elderly neighbours, offering assistance to those less fortunate, and being a beacon of support within your community. Whether it's shovelling snow for an elderly neighbour or donating to local charities, acts of compassion help build resilience that strengthens the entire community.

The festive season, while we often picture it as a time of joy, can throw unexpected challenges our way. With a dash of preparedness, a sprinkle of flexibility, and a generous helping of community spirit, we believe that survivors and their loved ones can overcome the issues they may face and have a better-than-expected festive season.

Wishing you all a happy and peaceful festive season from everyone at the National Emergencies Trust.