News Beat
Quiet Christmas: Millions Of Brits Spending Christmas Alone
New research commissioned by ODEON and conducted by OnePoll among 2,000 adults in the UK reveals that there has been a shift in how adults across the nation celebrate Christmas.
The research suggests that around 9.4 million adults across the UK will spend parts of the festive period alone this year. Nearly one in five people say they have no plans at all for December, while 11% expect to be completely alone on Christmas Eve and 12% on Christmas Day.
A further 13% say they won’t see anyone on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day.
While this isn’t all bad news — 62% say they’re not lonely and just prefer the quiet, calmer approach — over half of respondents actually feel a heavy emotional strain during the holiday season and are often overstimulated by festivities.
Some people even choose to spend the holidays at the cinema
In response to this research, ODEON has launched a ‘Quiet Christmas’ campaign and broadcaster Clara Amfo shares that she often goes to the cinema alone saying: “I’ve being going to the cinema on my own for years and I truly enjoy it. There is no need to speak and be ‘on’. You get your ticket, show up and let the film take over, sharing something special with a room full of strangers.
“During this festive period, when everything can feel louder and more demanding, that kind of quiet shared experience can be a much-needed antidote that we all deserve.”
It does sound cosy, to be fair.
For some of us, it’s much more complex
For those who aren’t seeking solitude and are struggling with their mental health, Christmas can often bring up a lot of heavy, difficult emotions that can be isolating.
Stephen Buckley, Head of Information at Mind, said: “It’s positive to see people feeling able to choose how they spend the festive period. Social connections can boost our wellbeing but making time for ourselves away from societal pressures can feel good too.
“That might mean getting outside, seeing a film or going to the cinema – where you can be around others without the pressure to interact – or finding something creative that brings joy. For anyone feeling overwhelmed or struggling with their mental health, you’re not alone and support is available.”
Mind’s online peer support service Side by Side operates 24/7 with no closures over Christmas.
Help and support:
- Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393.
- Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI – this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill).
- CALM (the Campaign Against Living Miserably) offer a helpline open 5pm-midnight, 365 days a year, on 0800 58 58 58, and a webchat service.
- The Mix is a free support service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email help@themix.org.uk
- Rethink Mental Illness offers practical help through its advice line which can be reached on 0808 801 0525 (Monday to Friday 10am-4pm). More info can be found on rethink.org.
