‘Tis the season to be jolly‚ or so we are told again and again. However, being lonely this Christmas is incredibly common, it is estimated that 1 in 6 in the UK will spend Christmas on their own.

Tackling loneliness, particularly at this time of year can be challenging. Isolation and loneliness can lead to depression, particularly at Christmas time.

People may be alone because a loved one has passed away or they are recently divorced. Family may be overseas. Close friends may have other commitments or you may be choosing to shield.

But being alone during the festive season doesn't mean you have to be lonely. With a little planning and honesty, you can still enjoy the festive period.

Plan your Christmas to avoid being lonely this Christmas

Before 25 December, decide what you'd like to do on Christmas Day. You may want to go for a walk, giving you the opportunity to wish someone a Merry Christmas.

If you don't want to go outdoors, you can treat yourself at home. Why not watch a boxset, or plan a holiday, or read that book you have been looking forward to?

Be kind to yourself.

Plan what you'll eat too. It doesn't have to be a traditional Christmas dinner. Being on your own means you can eat whatever takes your fancy.

Spending time on your own can be a perfect time to reflect and give thanks for what you have. It can also be a time to help others, remember 1 in 6 are spending Christmas alone.

Attend a community lunch

If you would prefer to have company on Christmas Day, you can have a look to see if there are any community lunches taking place nearby. These events will be advertised in local newspapers or on notice boards.

Churches, care centres and village organisations sometimes arrange lunches for people who are single and alone on Christmas Day. Some are free, some ask for a small donation, and transport is often provided.

You can also visit the Community Christmas website and put in your postcode. A list will appear showing events happening near you, and if there isn't already one planned in your area you can arrange to host one. Remember joining a group not only helps you but can help lots of others that also feel lonely this Christmas.

Contact Loved Ones

If there's one thing this pandemic has taught us all, there are so many ways to contact each other nowadays. Also, it’s OK not to be OK.

So be aware of family members that perhaps drop off the radar around this time of year. Both old people and young people can struggle with mental health issues during the festive period when their normal routines are disrupted.

No matter how far away your family and friends are, technology makes it easy for everyone to keep in touch.

Use social media, Skype, Zoom or Facetime and see your grandchildren opening the presents you sent‚ even if they live in Australia. Agree on a convenient time beforehand so everyone has time to chat.

You can also set up a Facebook group with close friends and share comments throughout the day.

Spring Chicken has a Facebook site to share comments with like-minded people.

Celebrate on another day

If you're unable to travel and see relatives or friends on Christmas Day, or it's the turn of another set of grandparents to have dinner with the family on the 25th, you can still celebrate with everyone on another day.

Put on the tree lights, pull a cracker, cook a Christmas dinner, and whatever the day, it can still feel like Christmas. Some people feel like it must all happen on the 25th but the reality is that it lasts for over a week, so there’s plenty of time to enjoy face-to-face social relationships if you desire. A perfect way to avoid being lonely this Christmas.

Don’t be Lonely This Christmas - Volunteer and help others

It may be a public holiday but care centres and nursing homes still have residents to look after, and dogs and cats still need feeding at animal rescue centres.

You could consider helping Crisis at Christmas, serving lunch to homeless people in London, Birmingham, Coventry, Newcastle and Edinburgh. Or get involved with Age UK's Christmas campaign and visit someone locally just to say hello.

Talk to someone If you are finding it hard to cope with loneliness at Christmas time, helplines are open 365 days a year so even if you just want to hear another voice, you can pick up the phone. These can be the perfect option to help people dealing with social isolation.

For many, feeling isolated can be one of the worse aspects of loneliness, however at Christmas time there are lots of options to help combat loneliness, so reach out.

You can talk to someone at Age UK, by calling the free national advice line on 0800169 2081.

The Samaritans also have a helpline, 116 123, which is free to call from mobiles and landlines.