It’ll Be Lonely This Christmas

Elvis singing It’ll Be Lonely This Christmas is one of the great festive pop songs – although some people prefer the version by Mud. The lyrics include “Try to imagine a Christmas all alone” and “It’ll be cold, so cold, without you to hold”. Of course, the song is about someone who has been left by their lover, who has moved away. However, there will be many people – mostly from the Boomer generation – who will have been widowed or lost their lifelong partner this year, and this will be the first year alone. Christmas will be particularly difficult for them because it is a time when so much emphasis is placed on the family, whatever your culture.

Image by Erin Walker via Unsplash.com

A typical response that will be given to the commonly asked question of “What will you be doing this Christmas?” will be “Oh, I’ll be alright”. When you know that they won’t be “alright”. Those who are fortunate to have family – adult children and grandchildren – nearby can probably rely on them rallying around to make sure that there is lots to do to keep them occupied and raise their spirits; “Christmas is a time for children” is a pretty accurate statement, and seeing grandchildren’s excitement at waiting for Santa to call will gladden anyone’s heart. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and families can live far away – even on the other side of the planet. So if this is the case for you, and you cannot physically get to see your Mum or Dad or friend, who are facing their first Christmas on their own, make sure that you telephone them or Skype them. They might say “Oh, I’ll be alright” and say that you don’t have to bother, but calling them will be really appreciated.

If your bereaved Mum, Dad, relative or friend does live close by then making a point of seeing them at Christmas is important. Everyone’s circumstances are different, but getting together to give your support at this most difficult of times will always be remembered. This can involve a meal, going to the pub, going to the panto, or whatever. So, when you have finished reading this article give some thought to which of your family and friends will be in this delicate situation, and give them a call; ask what they will be doing and see if you can help or get together with them at some point. Make sure that they are not lonely this Christmas!