Finding Calm and Comfort at Christmas

05 December 2025

Coping with Christmas: A Little Love for Yourself This Season

Christmas means different things to different people.

For many, it’s a time filled with love, laughter and togetherness.

But for others, it can be a difficult season — one that stirs feelings of loneliness, grief, or anxiety.

If this time of year feels heavy, please remember: you’re not alone – and there are small, gentle ways to look after yourself.

It’s completely normal if you’re not feeling festive. After all, life doesn’t pause just because the calendar says December.

While it might seem like everyone else is surrounded by cheer, many others quietly feel the same way you do.

Being kind to yourself is the best gift you can give this Christmas.

A few self-care ideas to help you through

Keep some structure to your days. A regular routine — even something simple like a morning walk, a favourite breakfast, or catching up on a TV show — can bring comfort and stability.
Allow yourself to rest. If you’re tired, take things slowly. It’s okay not to be everywhere or do everything.
Stay connected — in your own way. A quick phone call, a chat with a neighbour, or tuning in to MIX56 for some company can make a world of difference.
Reflect, but don’t compare. Social media can make it seem as though everyone is having the “perfect” Christmas. Try to focus on what feels good for you instead.
Make time for something that warms your heart. Whether it’s a good book, a favourite film, some gentle music, or cooking your favourite meal — enjoy what brings you peace.

And if you find things are really tough, please reach out for support.

Sometimes a simple conversation can help more than you think.

In the next part of this article, you’ll find a list of local organisations and helplines ready to listen and help over the festive period.

Above all – remember: you matter.

You’re not forgotten. And this Christmas, help — and hope — are always close by.

And don’t forget, MIX56 and our friendly presenters will be broadcasting live across the festive season, offering familiar voices and friendly company whenever you tune in.

Local Help is available

Below you will find information of organisations and places locally that you can reach out to.

If you or your organisation are offering help over the festive season please let us know and we’ll update this list.

NHS Merseycare have launched an excellent Christmas Health and Wellbeing Portal to help Cheshire and Merseyside residents look after their mental health this festive season.

Find out more at NHS Merseycare.

If you’re feeling lonely, need some company, or would simply appreciate a warm meal on Christmas Day, Warrington Open Door at Christmas is able to help.

It’s a welcoming place offering food, friendship and support for anyone who might be on their own over the festive period.

You’ll find their details below, along with other local organisations across Warrington that you can reach out to for help, advice, or just a friendly chat.

Warrington Open Door at Christmas

Based at St John’s United Reform Church, Wilderspool Causeway, Warrington, WA4 6QE. WODC offer a warm and welcoming environment to all those who are homeless, isolated or vulnerable over the festive season.

The church is open between 9.30 and 3.30pm every day between Christmas Day and 1st January. Open to everyone over the age of 18.

They will be offering refreshments, meals, warm clothing and friendship. They also have activities arranged each day – including hairdressers, bingo, quizzes and craft workshops.

Please visit the Warrington Open Door at Christmas Website for more information.

Happy? OK? Sad?

Whether you’re feeling great and want to stay that way, you’re a bit tired and fed up or you’re struggling to manage your feelings, Warrington-based Happy? OK? Sad? can point you to local and national information and resources.

On their website you can find tips ranging from how to boost your mood – to where to get help if you’re unable to cope.

Please visit Happy? OK? Sad? for further information.

Citizens Advice Warrington

Provide emergency assistance with food and pre-payment meter fuel vouchers. The Gateway, 89 Sankey Street, Warrington, WA1 1SR.

Emergency services are available on December 27th-29th from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Please note they are closed on Christmas Day.

Please visit Citizens Advice Warrington for more information.

Warrington Food Bank

Provide food parcels for people who are struggling. Vouchers needed from Citizens Advice, GPs or Warrington Wellbeing.

Open: till 22, 27 to 29 Dec, 2 Jan

Closed: 23 – 26, 30 – 31 Dec, 1 Jan

Please check the Warrington Food Bank Website for opening times and information.

Community Shop Bewsey

Members only Community Shop for affordable food. Membership is open if you are on a means-tested benefit. 8 Bewsey Park Close, Bewsey, WA5 0AN.

Open: till 23, 27 – 30 Dec, 2 Jan

Closed: 24 – 26, 31 Dec, 1 Jan

Please visit Community Shop Bewsey for more information.

Warrington Youth Zone

Something to do and someone to talk to. The centre is open over Christmas and New Year.

It will be closed on the 25th & 26th December and on the 31st December and 1st January.

Please check the Warrington Youth Zone for opening times and activities.

Warrington Disability Partnership

WDP offer emergency support – advice on all energy matters, vouchers, energy saving tips, financial support and grants.

The partnership will be closed from 2pm between 22nd December and the 3rd January.

Please visit Warrington Disability Partnership for more information.

Warrington Wellebing

Warrington Wellbeing is about having a good quality of life. Many different issues can affect your wellbeing – worries about money, feeling stuck in a rut, or maybe wanting help to change, like quitting smoking.

The team are based across the councils community centres including those at Whitecross, Orford Community Hub & Greenwood community centre.

To find out more, call 01925 818017

24/7 Mental Health Crisis Helpline

The crisis line is operated by is run by Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust.

available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call: 0800 051 1508

For people experiencing a mental health crisis, who need urgent support
For people concerned that a friend or family member is in a mental health crisis
For people who live in Warrington, Halton, Knowsley or St Helens
For people of all ages, including children and young people
Free to call

Brookfield Care Home

Don’t dine alone this Christmas, enjoy some company and a delicious 3 course lunch with the residents of Barchester Brookfield Care Home. Open to local residents aged over 65.

Places are limited so please book in advance.

Please call 01925 755363 to book your place.

Runcorn Community Christmas

Space Runcorn & Runcorn Community Christmas will once again be hosting a Christmas day lunch on 25th December. Their aim is to create a safe space where everyone is welcome to join with others, have a festive meal and share the joy of the season.

Venue: To be confirmed.

Please check Runcorn Community Christmas Day for full details

Community Shop Runcorn

Beyond food support, they offer a warm and supportive environment through their community café and hub to help reduce loneliness and improve wellbeing.

Opening times vary. For more information and membership enquiries please vit their Facebook Page.

Wellbeing Enterprises Runcorn

This organisation provides a “Wellbeing First” service for people experiencing low mental wellbeing, stress, anxiety, and general low mood.

They offer one-to-one mentoring, coaching, and self-help strategies.

Find out more at Wellbeing Enterprises.

Calm Your Mind – Men’s Peer Support Groups

The website calmyourmind.co.uk lists local peer support groups in Widnes and Runcorn, many run by and for men, to help foster a sense of belonging and manage stress levels.

Find out more at Calm Your Mind.

24/7 Mental Health Crisis Helpline

The crisis line is operated by is run by Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust.

available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call: 0800 051 1508

For people experiencing a mental health crisis, who need urgent support
For people concerned that a friend or family member is in a mental health crisis
For people who live in Warrington, Halton, Knowsley or St Helens
For people of all ages, including children and young people
Free to call

Transform Widnes

If you are looking for some company on Christmas Day, then you are warmly invited to the Christmas Day Meal at St Paul’s Church Hall.

Please arrive at 12pm to be seated and served a delicious, hot Christmas Day Meal by our friendly team, Festivities will finish at 2pm.

Please make sure you book in advance to secure your space.

Make sure you add all members of your family who will be attending.

Book your place here.

More help in Widnes

You can find more local help organisations listed on the Runcorn tab (above).

Chester Pride

Chester Pride is hosting their annual free-to-attend Christmas Day buffet meal for anyone facing Christmas alone or who cannot afford a meal.

Book your place online at this link.

Crabwall Hall Care Home

Parkgate Road in Mollington is inviting older people in the community who live alone to join their residents for a free, traditional Christmas lunch and afternoon activities as part of their “Don’t Dine Alone” initiative.

To book your place please contact Nicole Welch at Crabwall Hall on 01244 851 202.

Knutsford Lions

For over 30 years, Knutsford Lions have been providing lunch for between 30 and 40 people who would otherwise have been on their own on Christmas Day.

Transport is provided and a traditional Christmas lunch served at a local community centre.

At the time of producing this article, specific details have not been published – but keep an eye on the Knutsford Lions Website for more details.

Knutsford Together

For ongoing support with loneliness after Christmas Day, Knutsford Together provides one-on-one support and helps connect individuals with various local services to address social isolation.