It’s easy to get swept up in the Christmas cheer. Turn to the media and it’s all carols, happy families and joy for the festive season. The reality for many is a lot different.  

Many of us will be spending this period with our loved ones, sharing each other’s company, eating too much and being spoilt with stuff we don’t need.  

It’s funny how age changes the perception of Christmas. As a kid it’s all about presents, the sleepless night waiting for dawn so you can tear into your presents. As an adult it’s about a day of leisure, unless you’re the one who draws the short straw as host. 

Either way the day still has that special feeling.   

We are the lucky majority.  

For those with no one Christmas is a dark period.

Depression and suicide increase in December and for those without a family or friends to share the festive season with, Christmas and New Year becomes a dreaded experience.

According to the Clinical Adviser of the beyondblue organisation, Professor Michael Baigent: “In people who are vulnerable, Christmas may trigger symptoms of depression. Being alone when everyone else appears to be with their families may heighten feelings of isolation.”

New Years is another example when the feeling of social isolation is exacerbated with the societal expectation to go out, party and be with friends.  

It is also a time for the New Years resolution that often leads to deep self-reflection.  

New Years resolutions are the embodiment of a desire to change in the hope a better self emerges from the festive season and into the new-year, a hope for self-fulfillment.  

Resolutions have their critics, but they can be a worthy motivator to inspire.  

Hopefully too there is a change in all of us in understanding the darkness many live under during this season.

Enjoy and treasure your festive season just remember those not so lucky.