Dreading Christmas

Liz Adekunle is a Church of England priest - yet she dreads Christmas. For her it’s often been a stressful and difficult time, and there have been years when she’s had no one to spend Christmas day with. Liz is not alone. Research has shown that nearly half of us have similar feelings, often because of the expense or pressure to spend Christmas time with family you may not get on with. So how, Liz asks, can those who do dread the season make Christmas better – for themselves and those around them, whether or not they are Christian? So, in this edition of Things Unseen, she gathers together some people who can help uncover a more spiritual – and more relaxed and meaningful - side to Christmas. Christian Comedian Paul Kerensa delves into how you can make new traditions to make it special for you, while Salvation Army officer, Jo Moir, explains how to her Christmas is about helping those who struggle the most. And Catholic nun Sister Gemma Simmonds advises on finding the still points in the season, even if you’re celebrating alone.