Four Ways the Festive Season Can Bring People Together

Credit: Julia Larson/Pexels - Dr Jo Cutler and Dr Patricia Lockwood discuss ways to strengthen your relationships and form new ones this Christmas. After two years of disruption to plans over the Festive Season due to COVID-19, a new poll suggests spending time with loved ones is the aspect of the holidays that British people are most excited about this year. Having meaningful relationships and connections with others has vital benefits for our mental and even physical health all year round and these might be particularly important during the winter months. However, daily life can create barriers to connecting with other people, for example if we are worried about being judged or are too busy to take time to be sociable. These barriers risk causing loneliness and isolation, a growing issue particularly for older people. Can the norms and traditions associated with the festive season help overcome some of the barriers and encourage us to connect? - Can the norms and traditions associated with the festive season help overcome some of the barriers and encourage us to connect?. Dr Jo Cutler, School of Psychology See you next year!.