Christmas is a special time of year that can help to bring individuals and communities together and forge closer ties between families and friends. For many in the UK, the timeless traditions associated with the festive period are exciting and a magical season to look forward to.
Perhaps the most valuable part of Christmas is the opportunity to connect and, in doing so, spread kindness and cheer across the generations. After all, it is the ‘season of joy’, where loved ones come together to celebrate and catch up during the festive holiday. For some, however, Christmas can be a difficult time with charities and organisations organising worthwhile campaigns and supportive events. From singing carols to jumping in the sea on New Year’s Day, sharing traditions can have a positive impact on mental health.
Being together relieves isolation, reduces anxiety and comforts those who might be grieving. With National Grief Awareness Week taking place from the 2nd December, it’s time to embrace Christmas traditions by sending cards or making plans with your loved ones.
Connect people and communities
Since the pandemic, people in the UK value the traditions of this time of year more than ever. The Christmas season is rich with rituals that have been cherished by people of all ages, through the generations. They have also been proven to connect people more to their roots, provide structure and reassurance as well as working as a coping mechanism. For instance, eating a meal together or decorating a tree are centuries-old. Despite the likelihood of cold winter weather, Christmas remains a heart warming time for individuals of all ages, especially children, and strengthens the bonds within our communities.
A festive gathering can promote mental well-being by bringing people together who might otherwise be alone. It is also a time to reconnect with distant relatives, see lifelong friends and invite your neighbours in for a drink. Christmas brings family members spanning the generations together to read classic stories, play entertaining games and create lasting memories. However, it is important to consider any young people who might struggle to enjoy the overwhelming nature and fuss that is unique to Christmas time.
The excitement in the build-up of festive events does happily unite people and communities, from Christmas pantos, public carol singing events and switching decorative street lights on. When the cities, towns and villages are brimming with Christmas markets, fun events and twinkling window displays, it’s hard to resist getting into the festive mood with everyone.
Engage in healthy activities together
Christmas is a time for decorating your home as a family, dressing the Christmas tree and making wreaths with the children. Not only will baubles and tinsel transform your home but you’ll really start to feel Christmassy. Stringing sparkling lights, hanging cards, scented candles and framed family photos can connect every member of the family to the magical season.
Outdoor activities are great in the winter for boosting your mental and physical health when the nights are cold and dark. If you’re brave enough, one challenging and bracing festive tradition is a cold-water festive dip on Christmas Day or at the start of the new year. For those who prefer a more leisurely swim, plunging into a heated outdoor pool might be a more welcome and easier option.
Getting outside for a brisk walk on Boxing Day, is a common tradition for households keen to walk off the excesses of the previous few days. For extra smiles and giggles, if you’re lucky enough to have a white Christmas this year, be sure to build some snowmen, make angel circles or go sledging with kids. If you’re after something more physical, there are plenty of opportunities to sign up for a festive charity run and jog alongside friends dressed as Santa.
Celebrate with great meals, presents and parties
A firm favourite for youngsters is the gift-giving tradition of Christmas, while preparing the roast turkey (or alternative for veggies/vegans) is a massive part of the big day. Giving loved ones meaningful presents is a lovely opportunity to show people how much you care and value them, so choosing a personal and thoughtful present can tighten close bonds even more. Rather than stressing about finding the perfect gift, though, focus on what they might truly want to add meaningful and sentimental value.
Cooking festive foods alongside family and friends can nourish connections. If there are too many cooks in the kitchen, ask younger and older guests to help to lay the table, position the crackers and help with all the little extras.
If you’re not with your family, visit good friends and get together over some great food for a great party with colleagues. At work, the shared traditions of Secret Santa’s gift exchanges, singing carols and wearing festive jumpers add to the entertainment. Inclusive parties and shared traditions foster ties with colleagues who may or may not celebrate Christmas. A great celebration, whatever the special occasion or time of year, is known to boost people’s moods as well as forge better relationships. Likewise, surrounding yourself with people you love and enjoy spending time with is always a positive.
Show you care with thoughtful gestures
Whether you’re at home or working right up until and on Christmas Day, the festive spirit might sometimes span the length of November, December and well into the new year. By participating in local charity fundraisers with a festive theme, collecting supplies for your local food bank, volunteering, or donating treats to people within your community can lift people who might not be as fortunate as you. Look out for fundraisers in your area or support charity carol concerts, or charity box campaigns which are just a few examples of ways you and your family can help to support community members. If you want to, perhaps plan some voluntary events yourself, or call into local care homes, shelters, hospitals or hospices to ask how your family or business can help during the festive season.
Whether you do so personally or as part of a group, sharing some or all Christmas traditions is incredible for bringing friends, families, colleagues and communities together. The very nature and meaning behind the origins of the festive period is to spread joy, and this can be done by being thoughtful, kind and inclusive whatever Christmas activity or event you join.
