While for many of us, Christmas is a time of joy, it can also bring a lot of stress and worry – whether you’re trying to provide the perfect day for family and friends, you’re adjusting to a major change in your life at the time, or a number of other reasons.
Our Director of Beneficiary Services, Sharon Bailey, and Welfare Services Lead, Carrie Pearce, are here to explain why it’s okay to settle for okay…
“There’s a lot of judgement around providing a perfect Christmas that everyone will enjoy,” says Sharon. “Maybe it’s okay to just have it good enough, to just be with the people you love, to have things that you enjoy. Ask for help; not one person can manage everything, so think about who you could include in the process. And learn to say no. It’s a very small but powerful word if you’re able to say it, especially to all those commitments you’ve agreed to when you just want to stop.”
The temptation to overspend at this time of year is huge too – and can lead to further anxiety. So, what can you do to help relieve some of the financial worries?
“There’s still time to reassess your budget and cut back on non-essentials,” says Carrie. “Don’t ignore your bills – just because it’s Christmas doesn’t mean you don’t still have to pay rent, council tax, electricity etc. Be sensible in what you’re spending, setting reasonable expectations among your family and friends with how much money to spend on gifts. Especially if you’re a parent wanting to provide the best for your children, be sensible.
“And when it comes to Father Christmas, stick to smaller gifts from him, and save bigger ones for family, if you can afford them. That way, your child won’t go to school and say Santa brought them an iPad, possibly upsetting the child of another family who can’t afford such a luxury.”
The Welfare Services Team can also help you ensure you’re receiving any statutory benefits you’re entitled to, like the Winter Fuel Allowance: “It becomes a big pressure, worrying about how to heat and feed yourself,” says Carrie. “Don’t suffer in silence, and don’t just make do. Pick up the phone and call us to see how we can help. Every case is treated individually, so don’t hesitate to come to us.”
If you are worrying about your finances, you can find guidance online via a number of resources, including:
Other people may find Christmas tough for different reasons, such as changes in living conditions, family dynamics or feeling socially isolated.
“Christmas can often make us feel reflective on the year and how different things are, which can be very difficult if you’ve been living with issues relating to health issues, family tensions, separation and divorce, or bereavement, ” says Carrie. “It’s understandable that any of these things can lead to a lack of festive spirit.
“There are practical steps you can take to address these feelings, including making a list of the positive things that have happened, start making plans for the New Year, and, most importantly, acknowledge that your feelings will pass. They may be a combination of factors, so take the time to work out exactly what it is that’s making you feel this way and what steps you can take to combat this.”
Our 24/7 Crisis Line offers immediate and ongoing suicide and mental health crisis care for past and present UK fire services personnel. Call us now on 0300 373 0896 if you feel you’re at a point of crisis.
There are also a number of other organisations providing a listening ear and someone to talk to during the holidays:
“Just think about what you want from Christmas,” says Sharon. “Consider what you really need to do, what you’d like to do, and what you should do. Get the basics right, and then worry about the other stuff afterwards. I sincerely hope you have a really happy, relaxed, stress-free Christmas and New Year.”
We’re also open in the weeks running up to Christmas if you need to chat to someone or seek support. Call our Support Line on 0800 389 8820 or register for My Fire Fighters Charity and visit the Access Support tab.
If you are at crisis point, call our Crisis Line immediately on 0300 373 0896.
First published: December 2021
Updated: November 2024