Nearly one in three adults fear they’ll be lonely this festive period

NEARLY one in three adults fear they’ll be lonely this festive period, research has found.

An examination of 2,000 individuals who participate in Christmas festivities revealed that in the past five years, 25% have experienced an increase in feelings of loneliness during the holiday season. Additionally, 49% express concerns about the possibility of feeling even lonelier as they age.

Often, the smallest of gestures can make all the difference during the festive season (stock image)
Often, the smallest of gestures can make all the difference during the festive season (stock image)
Just a phone call or thoughtful card during the Christmas holidays can mean the world and help combat loneliness (stock image)
Just a phone call or thoughtful card during the Christmas holidays can mean the world and help combat loneliness (stock image)

Regrettably, 17% anticipate having their Christmas meal in solitude, while 56% do not anticipate having the opportunity to inform their acquaintances and family members about the changes in their lives over the past year.

To alleviate the sense of loneliness during Christmas, 37% intend to send a heartfelt card, and 33% plan to extend an invitation to a loved one they are worried about to share a meal together.

The research was commissioned by Hallmark, which also created a heartwarming video bringing children to visit older folks in Horsforth Manor Care Home in Leeds, to explore what it’s like being lonely at Christmas.

The adorable kids also learned how hard it can be to feel alone at this time of year and were told about the importance of reaching out to loved ones who may be missing them.

Ruth Turner-Blood, head of writing at the card company, said, “Christmas is often seen as a time of joy and togetherness, but for many people, feelings of loneliness can become particularly intense during the festive season.

“There’s a clear contrast between the idealised image of a happy family celebration, and the reality some face – but often, the smallest of gestures can make all the difference during the festive season.”

It also emerged 46 per cent of adults believe spending time with your nearest and dearest is the most meaningful way to show you care at Christmas.

And of those polled 44 per cent will specifically send a card to someone they think will be experiencing feelings of isolation.

The research, conducted via OnePoll, found 34 per cent will call or video chat with someone they can’t see in person to help combat loneliness.

Furthermore, half find the best way to make ourselves feel better throughout the Christmas period is a delicious festive lunch.

With 43 per cent adding that decorating the tree will put a smile on their faces.

Ruth Turner-Blood from Hallmark added: “Something as simple as sending a thoughtful message in a card can show someone that they’re in your thoughts, especially if they’re feeling isolated.

“We want to help people feel more connected this festive season, showing how even the smallest of gestures can be meaningful to someone.”

TOP 10 THINGS PEOPLE ARE DOING TO HELP OTHERS FEEL LESS LONELY AT CHRISTMAS:

  1. Send a thoughtful card
  2. Invite them for a meal
  3. Share a small gift
  4. Cook a meal for them
  5. Include them in family events
  6. Arrange a surprise visit
  7. Plan a festive outing
  8. Offer a video call
  9. Create a care package
  10. Organise a group call
Something as simple as sending a thoughtful message in a card can show someone that they’re in your thoughts, especially if they’re feeling isolated
Something as simple as sending a thoughtful message in a card can show someone that they’re in your thoughts, especially if they’re feeling isolated
You May Also Like

Large Blast in Iranian Port Injures 281 People and Causes Massive Smoke Cloud

THIS is the horrifying moment a huge explosion rips through a port…

“Man Arrested on Federal Charges for Threatening Mass Shooting at University Graduation Ceremony”

A thwarted mass shooting at the Iowa State University graduation ceremony was…

Bride unable to enter country for wedding because of minor passport mistake right before ceremony

A bride shared her horror after being denied entry to the country…

Attention: Authorities Looking for Information on Woman Missing in North Carolina

Police in North Carolina are currently looking for a missing 30-year-old woman…

Father Accused of Raping Murdered 13-Year-Old Girl Discovered With Nearly Beheaded Body and Hands Cut Off

On Wednesday, an Ohio grand jury indicted a man for raping and…

DHS Reacts to Influx of Letters Urging US Citizens to Depart Country

The Department of Homeland Security is dealing with a high volume of…

Touching messages for dear British person discovered deceased in Benidorm following body being found on shore.

The relatives of a man who was tragically found dead on a…

Conversation between Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds before her powerful speech hinting at Justin Baldoni

A lip reader has revealed what Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds said…

George Santos Receives a 7-Year Jail Term for Fraud After Implicated Representative Complained about Incarceration and Requested a Pardon from Trump

DISGRACED politician George Santos has been sentenced to over seven years in…

Virginia Giuffre, Survivor of Jeffrey Epstein’s Abuse, Passes Away at 41 in Apparent Suicide

Virginia Giuffre, 41, a prominent survivor of Jeffrey Epstein’s sexual abuse, died…

Princess Charlene of Monaco looks serious as she joins Prince Albert and other European royals at Pope Francis’ funeral

A vast delegation of European royals have arrived in St Peter’s Square…

Joe Biden Attends Pope Francis’ Funeral in Rome with 200,000 Mourners Remembering a Peace-Seeking Saintly Figure Today

World leaders, dignitaries and tens of thousands of mourners are gathering in…