More than half a million people in UK won’t see or talk to anyone on Christmas Day, figures show

23 comments

1. That’s not *that* many given the population of 70m

2. The only reason I will is because I’m working; otherwise I wouldn’t but that is largely by choice.

3. This has been the case for most of my adult life, why are we suddenly giving a shit now?

4. I’ve had two funerals in the past year. I’m not feeling very Christmassy.

5. I’m one of those, my mum lives waaaaay up north, my dad waaaaay down south and I don’t drive, working retail so every other year I work Christmas and have new year off then vice versa (it’s the Christmas working year this year)

   But honestly, I’m just happy to have the day off, got myself some roast beef for late, my colleagues got me some presents to open up and I’ve got my own little project that I’m looking forward to getting finished now that the Christmas madness is over.

6. Lucky them! I’d love to not have to talk to anyone on Christmas day.

7. Why is this a big deal? I live alone and don’t have any family. It’s fine. I don’t need a Christmas pity party. I’m going to go for a walk wearing a santa hat then watch movies all afternoon and fall asleep on the sofa. Life could be a lot worse!

8. It’s a day we interpret as special but shit still happens and some may not be feeling the festivities.

9. Omg! We get it! Stop with the “people are alone” Christmas fear mongering articles. My guess is people not celebrating Christmas means people shopping less for food, alcohol and gifts and the businesses don’t like this one bit

10. What gets me is what about the other days of the year ?

    Valentine’s Day ? Easter? Spring ? Summer? Like everything will be okay if we get Christmas out the way.

11. Considering the shit shown in my house, could do with some silence and no talking

12. It’s quite funny this is presented as sad and posted to the hub of social weirdos who are *delighted* to be spending it alone. lol

13. A fair few of them will be alone because no one can stand them.

14. What’s the betting that 499,999 of them at least are happy as a pig in shit too 🤷

15. Does calling Babestation count? Asking for a friend.

16. Just heading out for a nice long jog. Then I’ll soak in a hot bath. The sun is just coming out. 
    Sounds good to me. 

17. Not sure if the people replying here actually read the article…it’s about >65 year olds feeling isolated.

    I didn’t grow up in the UK so I wonder, how did elder loneliness become so prevalent? I remember moving here and getting leaflets about it and was really saddened by it.

    I’m visiting family for the holidays and the older people (over 70) go dancing or walking with cousins and friends, which sounds really healthy. Is there any way that kind of connectivity and community could be encouraged here? Not as easy for people living in more remote areas without family nearby of course.

18. Balance. For everyone you love and see on Christmas, there’s someone alone. The universe craves balance. 

19. I wish I could be one of them today. Would love nothing more than to stay home in my PJs and potter about, play some steam and generally live like a cat for a day. I’ve got the typical travelling about to see family and friends with the partner, almost a 2hr drive to go see them so I hope the roads are clear. Would definitely prefer to not go anywhere today.

20. I’m not over 65 but I will be one of those who will be on my own. But, no, I don’t feel “alone”. I like being on my own and choose to be on my own.

    I know there are some people who are people on their own not out of their own choice, and I wish that they will find comfort in someone offering company.

    But I enjoy being on my own. And I wish those “official figures” would also recognise this. I don’t need pity or help, I just want people to leave me alone so I can spend this festive break doing exactly what I enjoy, on my own.

21. Same alone this Crimbo and actually love it. Just done 5 mile walk and its awesome

22. Some people enjoy being alone. Some people don’t really care about Christmas. There’s nothing wrong with this at all.

    This is the first Christmas that I’m spending alone but I’m completely content with this. I don’t feel isolated or need anyone to feel pity for me.

23. Oh god why couldn’t I be one of them? Christmas does not have any right to be a social event day, and while this is an interesting statistics, it doesn’t automatically translate to half a million people will be lonely.

    You don’t even have to be alone to feel lonely sometimes either.

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