Christmas is often a time for families to come together and celebrate with tables laden with festive food and gifts piled under the Christmas tree. Unfortunately, this is not always with case, with some people experiencing increased financial stress, family challenges and loneliness. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures showed that in October, 38% of Australians experienced personal stressors due to COVID-19 including relationship difficulties, loneliness, job loss and financial stress. This year, some West Australian families will be separated at Christmas or may have chosen not to travel to be together, due to the risk of the hard border being reimposed in the event of an outbreak. In addition to this, the ABS reports that this Christmas over 116,000 Australians will be homeless.

With many locals experiencing hardship this season, Lifeline WA bereavement counsellor Naomi Weir encourages anyone wanting to offer assistance to reach out. “People may know of someone struggling this Christmas but might not know how to help, or be cautious of offending,” Naomi explains. “But the most beautiful thing anyone can do is to include someone.” Naomi offers suggestions of small things people can do to help others less fortunate this Christmas:

• Invite someone over for a craft or cooking day so that they can make Christmas gifts and not have to buy them.
• If you are close with a family who may be struggling, ask the children what they would like to give their family for Christmas and help them arrange a gift to give.
• Include people who may not be with family this year in your own Christmas celebrations.

Naomi encourages people to break down the barriers and make it easy for someone to accept invitations of help. “It’s easy to say no, and some people might really appreciate an offer but feel self-conscious accepting help.” Naomi suggests small offerings and advises against grand gestures that may feel overwhelming. “People may shy away from joining Christmas lunch empty handed. It is important to emphasise that we don’t need more food or presents, and to encourage them to just bring themselves.” Naomi adds: “Alternatively, invite them over a little bit earlier to help with the set-up so they can still feel they are contributing.” Christmas can be a hard time for people, but Naomi explains that sometimes a distraction from sadness, even just for the day, can alleviate the stressors that can come with this time of year. “We all just want to be seen, and valued and included, and if someone can offer that, that is the best gift anyone can give.”

If you are aware of someone who may be in need of food or company this Christmas, but aren’t able to include them in your own celebrations, you can direct them to any of the below where they can share a Christmas meal and be included in the community:
 

If you or anyone you know are finding the Christmas season difficult, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14, available 24/7.

Written by Liz Schleicher

Photo by Kira auf der Heide on Unsplash