I lost my partner of 40 years a year ago, this is my second xmas alone. I think when your alone you need to become your own best friend and don’t buy into all the falseness of Xmas. Id rather be alone than with people who think they ought to invite you. I see the relief in peoples faces when you say you will have company, the relief is for themselves not you. They express concern out of guilt not real concern for if they did they would invite you. So become your own best friend and remember the one you loved and you wont be alone.
I detest the Fake bonhomie of Christmas as it is a painful reminder of isolation, familial abandonment and exclusion. The rot starts in families who fail to include other vulnerable family members in their socialising not only at Christmas but generally. Its not for charities to take over the role of families in this, its families themselves who have abrogated responsibility for their elderly and vulnerable family members and quite frankly its shameful, disgraceful and a clear illustration of how sick a society we have become. A society which ignores its vulnerable is doomed to fail.
I'd say Thatcher started the rot with her 'There's no such thing as society' speech in the early 1980s. Since then, it's been the 'Sod you Jack, I'm alright' mentality, exacerbated with cuts to social services. Things have been made worse, as people tend to live longer than previously, meaning those in work have to shoulder an even heavier burden to support those retired and others not working. How to solve this is indeed a difficult question to answer.
I agree with you @racheloliver4027 I feel suffocated by the Christmas adverts and fakery at this time of year. My parents are dead, I have no brothers, no sisters, no children. I have many cousins around my age and whenever I reach out to them in December, to suggest meeting for a Starbucks coffee and cake, I'm mostly met with silence. We didnt fall out. I guess they feel guilty as 10 years ago I had cancer and after surgery came home to an empty house and spent that Christmas and New Year alone while they were 5 km away having family parties (I saw on social media). There's only so many times I can extend an olive branch to maintain contact. I guess people are selfish and move on. Out of sight out of mind. I see it with my elderly neighbours whose family turn up at Christmas but neglect them all year. I have a partner now so I'm not on my own today, not that it matters, but the emphasis on caring families and loved ones getting together today is overwhelming and sometimes I do want to jump on that bandwagon. Merry Christmas.
Beautifully said. I am enduring my 26th Christmas alone (2024) - just a ham sandwich and a tin of tomato soup for my Christmas dinner - but I know there are many people who are homeless etc so I never moan about my situation: I just think "It's just three days and then Life gets back to normal". What annoys me is that I live next door to a Preacher who stands in the bloody pulpit on a Sunday preaching "Love thy neighbour as thyself" yet he and his family never even say "hello" to me. What a hypocrite.
@@EdelweisSusie I'm surrounded by such people. Sharp-elbowed people much like your preacher. I would eat my sandwich and soup alone rather than commune with such people. I've eaten soup and sandwiches today myself. I raise my cup to you my friend.
Christmas is the hardest day for many, me also, theirs no tree , no presents, no family & I'm having beans on toast for Xmas dinner. But I'm still more fortunate than thousands of others today, i at least have a roof over my head & I'm grateful for that. To everyone i wish peace and health 🎅✌💜
Same for me. I had a ham sandwich on lovely sourdough bread and a tin of Heinz tomato soup, same as I have for the other 25 Christmases I've been alone. Just Boxing Day to go and then Life goes back to normal (I'm not a New Year person anyway). Stay strong and I hope 2025 is a good year for us both. x
I hope the new year is better for both of you, l have spent the last few years of my own at Christmas .At least it's peaceful rather than spending a day with people l dislike.l didn't bother with Christmas dinner ,but l lit up the windows to cheer myself up.
@EdelweisSusie Bless you thank you for your lovely reply, yes only tomorrow to go, I'm the same i don't celebrate NYE I'm usually in bed by 10pm, wishing you a healthy and happy 2025 x😊
Yes I agree. My family are dysfunctional. I am alone too but I choose to be. I had a salami toastie today, I love these, tomorrow it is turkey slices and dips. I really prefer an easy to cook lunch. Having a roof over our head is more important and our health.
A recent widow , i laid a wreath on my hubbys grave yesterday. But i give my thanks for having a lovely meal today, even though on my own. At least im not out on the streets, ive clothes on my back, so many distressed people out there! Happy Christmas professor. ..☺️
I'm 68 here & on my own most of the time. Not spoken to anyone face to face, apart from retail staff, since last Thursday, but out with a walking group tomorrow 👍 Thank god for u-tube, emails & WhatsApp.
Thanks Tim. I’m alone today, unwell, but grateful to be in my own comfortable warm bed. I’m always glad when January arrives. The days are already getting lighter by 3 minutes a day. It’s difficult to ignore the consumerism but lots of people love Christmas, especially those with small children. I miss the good old days and don’t mind saying so. Take care everyone.
@@Joan-COYI Merry christmas, you have us on TH-cam, TH-cam is great for all of us alone. I am looking forward to the new year, and spring and itching to get out in the garden
Yes I look forward to the new year more so than Christmas, as the consumerism around Christmas is off the scale and I don't want the anxiety. The earliest evenings in this country are between the 11th and 16th December, but the mornings are still getting darker until the 2nd January. The Earth doesn't go around the sun in a perfect ellipse. So from the 3rd January the mornings and evenings are getting lighter, we will then be going in the right direction for spring.
I'm British, and I live in France. It's Christmas Day afternoon. I have neither seen, nor spoken to anyone. No phone calls in either direction, no E mails. Just me and the dog. Like any other day, for me. Other than a barrage of Christmas music on the wireless, I would never have been aware of the date. All things must pass.
Quite a lot of people I pass which I say, "Merry Christmas" to, don't reply, which is not surprising since when I say "Hello", most people don't reply.
Be happy everyday. Only an idiot would believe that xmas is different to any other. Some days it might involve other people, some days it might not. How many people would say in the last 365 days xmas was their happiest? Not many I would think if they were honest with themselves.
@@integralevideo Very true!!! It's total insane to suggest that one day of the year is happier than the remaining 364 days. This day is, in reality, a very ancient festival. It's the celebration of the rebirth of the sun; the winter solstice. The 21st is the true date, after which we go from darkness into light, and the celebration wasn't intended to suggest that that particular day was meant to be happier than the rest. Later, the Romans celebrated the festival of the invincible sun (Sol Invictus) on the 25th because the Roman calendar at the time was not precise enough to accurately pinpoint the true date of the solstice.
@@LordoftheFleet It's a pagan thing. The 12 number are the signs of the zodiac not the apostles. If you see it as a religious thing then you are being duped. Tomorrow will be better or yesterday might have been. To expect everyone's happy day to correspond to one day of the year..... nonsense.
Another knee jerking message from you today Prof.Tim. I woke this morning thinking how lucky I am to be warm and comfortable, then watched your Todays message and reflected back to more troubled times in my own life which then prompted me to help support certain organisations who do wonderful things for the unfortunate at this time of year. Most of us could do more . I hope your message triggers more action from us all. God bless you 🎄🎄
Merry Christmas. I lost my missus in July 2023, after being together for 41 years. Luckily, I have a stepdaughter and family, I'll be going to her home for Xmas dinner. Others aren't going to be so lucky today. I reckon the rot began in the early 1980s, when Thatcher stated there was no such thing as society. That led to a 'Sod you Jack, I'm alright' mentality, which persists to this day.
I am one of the old lonely. Can't even speak, even if there was someone to talk to. Can't eat, so Christmas dinner is a distant memory. I consider myself lucky though; I have a home to live in and my cats to keep me company. My thoughts go out to those less fortunate. Merry Christmas to all.
but you work with what you have. Yes, you are right we can be lucky in all sorts of ways. I am lucky I have a friend who I lets me stay at his home while he visits his parents, and there is some food in the fridge etc.
Who you need to spend xmas with is people that bring you joy. If that person is yourself then that's ok. Solitude at xmas is fine. There is no point in spending it with toxic relations.
The message is its OK to be isolated. Christmas is propaganda and anyone feeling differently to normal today because of the date is being manipulated. Feel good every day.
very well said. I am choosing to spend Christmas solo, and I love being away from my dysfunctional narcissistic family. I am having a Christmas retreat by doing wellbeing things for my mental health. Tomorrow I think I will walk in the park, hopefully a cafe of some sort will be open or I will bring a flask and read
Politicians have created the misery we see today , no one else ,they are far removed from the people they serve , how many will die early today on Christmas day ,that did not need to. How many more billionaires are there,sat on piles of money , whilst most haven't got £10 for a meal or warmth , we cannot go another year , letting this happen ,we must not . Look after yourselves, give where you can , help where you can , all the best to proff Tim a beacon of hope , in these selfish times .🤶🥂🙌
Yes, politicians are able to wield power without any responsibility. Witness already the utter denial by the previous Government of 14 years that they are in any way whatever responsible for the current abysmal state of public services, hollowed out to a point where they're barely functioning. As ever, politicians have to look for a scapegoat, currently it's the immigrants 'beloved' of the Tories, GB News and arsewipe Tory papers.
It's just pure consumerism,an empty day full of food drink and plastic crap. I prefer to be alone,been shopping for the last couple of days and not seen a smile on a single face.
I'm with you mate, the madness of people scrambling for as much food as possible . The stress people put themselves through is off the scale. Half the food they buy will be thrown away. It's very wasteful time of year. Another thing about modern day Christmas I don't like, is enforced happiness, we are all supposed to be happy and joyful on Christmas day, you wouldn't expect people to be happy and joyful on any other day.
@@SamuelBlack84I’m with you Samuel. Charles Dickens et al have not succeeded in sucking me into their Yuletide expectations; it’s a social construct that I deconstructed when I was 10 - some 60 years ago. These seasonal clichés just bemuse we rational oldies.
I remember when older people had meals on wheels, home helps, neighbours, day centres and tea dances. Hairdressing, a barber, a hairdresser for ladies together with a podiatrists and chiropodists. People were cared for. The council provided these services and now we have nothing. Voluntary organisations were an added extra providing items such as a small Christmas hamper, some company etc. Now these organisations are providing everything and fighting to get funding which is shared with govt ‘ charities’ when they already get govt funding anyway.
@@SamuelBlack84 yes. I ran a small charity which I set up. I didn’t take a penny from it. I was shocked to see Trustees and CEOs taking huge salaries! Ie the NSPCC finances ( look on the charity commission website under the name then press ‘ accounts’ , and they spend more on advertising , CEO , other salaries and marketing than counselling and direct services to children. The level of competition and aggression towards any other charities trying to help children is fierce. The same with MIND and other similar charities. I refuse to donate anymore …
From experience: Being homeless at Christmas time is the most emotionally painful period anyone could possibly encounter. It's as though the entire world has turned its back on you. As though you're the last person on earth. Merry Christmas, Tim. Thank you for all you do. From Finland with cheer. 🇫🇮
Same in USA. I spent the day with my dogs, two of them, and my cat. I followed along with a livestream Mass in OH and treated myself to Chinese food which I purchased on Tuesday and ate on Christmas. My pets were treated to canned food, the dogs each got a real beef bone and the cat, some catnip sewn into a little pillow. I listened to Christmas songs online and spent some time working on my braided rag rug. It’s for me, so it has last priority. I’m the only one left in my family and my one remaining lives 1,000+ miles away. She has children, grandchildren, great grandchildren to be with. But I just accepted that most of my time, not just on holidays, is spent solo. I have a modest shelter, heat, food, clothing, transportation, and Jesus, Mary, and the Saints, ti keep me company.l
Ive spent the last 20 xmas and boxing days alone and loving it. 2x12 hour shifts as a security guard in an empty factory, double time. I do the same on Jan 1st & cash in all my holiday pay too.
Everyone remembers the elderly, but spare a thought for the youngsters who cannot go home because they are working or cannot afford it. I remember meeting Australians, Germans, Americans and Italians one Christmas day in Amsterdam. We were all stranded but had a great day. Today will be more than 10 years since I had human company at Christmas. I am housebound and cannot walk a dog. I have my ferrets and I can watch a couple of old movies on TH-cam. That's enough for me as I don't like crowds. Merry Christmas everyone (as tiny Tim says). Enjoy the holidays. 😅
I have my two little panthers, brothers Johnny and Charlie, to look after today. I'll be sure to bring back some offerings for them after visiting my stepdaughter for Xmas dinner.
exactly well said. I feed my wild garden birds and spoil them, they have all sorts of things including real coconuts. I watch them from my doorbell cam while I am up in London. I don't want dogs, a lot of responsibility and expensive vets bills. Today I saw a jay in Herne Hill which was nice when I looked out the window.
we went to Mass last night and was thinking ,just the same the Church has lost its way ,and needs to reach out to the people ,as many are to shy or proud to ask for the support at this time of Year, Marry Christmas ,one and all .
Well, the recent resignation of their boss hardly gives the Church of England a moral mountain to preach from. My old Church, the Left Foot Brigade, has been noticeably silent on the matter, as numerous cases of sexual abuse have been recorded as being committed by their officials. Indeed, the Catholic Grammar School I went to, in the mid to late 1960s/early 1970s, had one of its old teachers jailed for sexual abuse around 15 years ago.
Xmas is overhyped commercialism, I do my best to ignore it. I hate it when people try and pressure me into getting involved. I will be glad when it’s over for another year and I can get on with doing the things I like.
I like to isolate. I'm 64 and have lived with others over the years. But now I prefer to be on my own doing my own thing. Im alone but not lonely. I wouldn't want other peoples baggage , issues and troubles either.
I have handed out Food Parcels & Presents for charities in the past. But this year my BF & I are cooking for the neighbours. We have been busy. So I must go & do some more cooking. Love to all this Christmas, solve all your problems by sharing at Christmas & make giving a permanent gift.
it''s ok to NOT do for othersd on one day and particularly if you've done charity work year round. IMO, the approach to solving the issue of isolation, especially for already vulneable people, is NOT theraputic in the slightest when the people are treated AS something to be charitable towards. Have you ever heard of just making friends with people?? It's possbile to have elderly friends and young adult freinds and middle aged friends but because someone has no freinds, for any reason, they're not allowed the dignity of being wanted as a freind, but rather must be treated as something pitiable? That's toxic.
@NI4NI-y5f I have a great variety of friends, I have just made a Brocolli & Stilton soup for starters. Putting the Lamb in for mains. Don't do pity or toxic. Just do Happiness, it alleviates my depression.
Good you have covered this professor Tim. I personally love being on my own but understand its not for everyone. Christmas should be about reaching out and caring🙏💚
I struggled this Christmas because I made an effort to spend time with family but for reasons I won't go into, I found it difficult. I usually relax better when I'm on my own although at the same time, yes, I do sometimes feel a bit lonely.
I got divorced at 40 woke up alone on Xmas day , was use to be with my wife and children was the hardest day of my life , thank god I had my mum who I spent the day with , sadly she not here now , and my family don’t really care for each other , but you get stronger and harden to being on your own , life is tough , stay strong people
Merry Christmas Tim. And a big thank you for all your efforts. Your stimulating of pertinent conversations and tolerating a range of views is much appreciated.
Prof Tim, a man who consistently shines warmth, light, empathy and kindness onto our smart phones. Alas, no doubt there will equally be some sadness and loneliness today across the UK.
It has taken me nearly 40 years to wake up on christmas day, get through a few hours of it and realize it is that day. I love being alone and not acknowledging it.
A brilliant video and quiet apt given the day and time of year spare a thought for the many who will be struggling with Isolation and those who do not have a place to call home as we know Government don't care just see annual suicide rates and the war against the most vulnerable in society.
I'm alone too, all my family have died some friends and the rest I lost contact with! Sadly I'm used to being alone. Next year I want to join a choir and hoping that helps! Merry Christmas wishing you all the best in 2025. If you don't want to be alone you need to connect to groups and organisations, there are groups you can join if you want to? 😊
I think the issue is, as you touched on that the people that find themselves on their own at this time of the year have been on their own during the year has well. So more & better support should be available for those people that need it surely. That responsibility falls at the feet of the government & local authorities. ✨🎄
Merry Xmas Prof! 🎄😉😉 For more years than I can remember, I've spent Xmas Day with a dear friend. Up to recently, I've always gigged on Xmas Eve (at the same venue and it was always amazing) so I much preferred a very quiet Xmas day. We have a lovely meal (home made Xmas Pud) exchange presents, go for a walk, fall asleep, wake up, eat more and binge watch something on Netflix. This year, however, she contemplated going to New York, to spend Xmas with her son and his family, but, due to mobility issues, she was unable to go. But, I was facing, the first ever Xmas alone, as my family are miles away. But, tbh, I wouldn't have minded, as I have a similar day planned with another friend tomorrow. I'm not a lover of big gatherings and guess that, eventually, I'll be spending Xmas alone, at some point. I know a number of people in the same boat, but they don't seem to mind. We increasingly live in a world where some people choose and prefer to live on their own.. I certainly do!
it's a sad fact that many elderly folk have no one in their lives to turn to, no relatives and no friends. Though in cities and towns there are organisations, community centres, churches etc; where there is at least some form of respite one might access should a person wish it. I am elderly (73) with absolutely no one on this Christmas day, and I live out in the countryside with access to...well nothing whatsoever. I and those in my region have no buses since the routes were scrapped completely 3 years ago and even he post office closed for good too. There are no organisations nor any facilities one might turn to & avail ones self of as I see the distant twinkling of distant Christmas lights in the nearest village...but this only underscores the desolation that I feel. It seems the more society is electronically connected, the more isolated and lonely we become.
Thanks for a pertinent reminder, Professor, I count myself extremely fortunate to have a roof over my head and have my wife ,children and grandchildren with me ,I consider that to be priceless
End of year poem of the week - The New Colossus Emma Lazarus 1849 - 1887 Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame, With conquering limbs astride from land to land; Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame. “Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”❤
First Christmas without my lovely Mum. I'll go to family later but have always found Christmas Day in relatives homes rather claustrophobic. The ideal day for me would be a picnic, flask of coffee and get out on a good walk with my little dog. He's currently asleep on my knee though! Merry Christmas to one and all. Here's hoping for a peaceful 2025 x
A most thought provoking Christmas homily. Scattered family, dined with my youngest sister last nite and today more expected; caught Scott's portrayal of Scrooge yesterday, which always stops my complacency cold. Thought of myself half a century ago and a teenage soldier out Christmas patrol, another day like any other the calendar be still. Time flies so quickly but I cherish all my Christmas days. Once, during the war my mother sadly told me she expected I'd spend Christmas in Saigon, however because of a complicated fateful quirk I almost was in Bethlehem that year. What the US Army can't do and the Palestine Liberation Organization did, many moons ago; all bunched up an old man's crazy memories of Christmas past. Last nite, Sharon remarked my white beard made me a Santa Claus character actor candidate. Made me think I should volunteer next year for the Salvation Army and ring a bell over a cash kettle or something. Merry Christmas.
Thank you Prof.im alone myself and live in France but must admit I have chosen to be like this.I am 76 and all my core friends and family are past away,Christmas to me means nothing,sadly.
We have two adult children, they live in two other countries ... We'll not see each other, we all have our own lives. Truly, I pity the overtly emotional, lives controlled by a complete lack of reason.
I am 71 male, and have no kids, this was a deliberate choice, many years ago, after being bought up as the eldest in a family of 5 kids I know what it's like to have parents who struggle everyday to make ends meet, despite them both working, and I love them both for how hard they tried. I made the decision when I was still in my mid teens that, (apart from 'accidents') I would not bring a human being into this world until such a time that I was confident that I could support him/her/them, turns out I always had crap low paying jobs because I insisted on only working at jobs I LIKED rather than chasing the wages. I think that I must be ahead of my time as I made that choice in the late 1960s, NO regrets... well, a few,... but then...
@@FatherJack-sp1gc I know of one guy who made a 'life choice', around age 16, that he was never going to work for a living. He'll be around 68 now, I've not seen him in over a decade. Ironically, the last I heard he was he was working as an adviser at a Citizen's Advice Bureau near where I live. I'd say since he's successfully avoided work for decades, if anybody knew how to play the system, it would be him.
Fatherjack you are a kind man, I’m the same didn’t want to bring sentinent beings into this world to suffer like I did. Unfortunatlely many make an emotional decision and cannot be rational when it comes to children.
Beautifully expressed. I can't ignore people out in the cold at this or any other time of year so I do what I can A hot drink and a sandwich or soup and bread People say it's unwise to help them but I'd rather help ten people and find only one was genuinely in need than risk that one person being missed...
Since 1969, when only 1 in 100 under 18s spent Xmas alone, nowadays it's up to 1 in 10, a ten fold increase in 55 years. This is the long term result of Austerity over 14 years, 2010-24, where cutbacks in Government spending, especially in areas controlled by councils, coupled with a shortage of housing, soaring property prices and rents has resulted in the current dire state of public services.
Im spending today on my own through choice as its quite a funny story , I cant get an NHS dentist and my teeth due to years of drinking soft drinks have like broken to the gum line so i am being forced to get a loan for £3800 to extract the bad teeth and get dentures im only 38 years old so i did not want to go to my relatives home with bad teeth as i cant eat properly at the moment , Also both my parents died when i was younger so my family is very fragmented since then but i am lucky i do have a home at the moment that is an affordable rent but yeah i feel sorry for the veterans who fought for this country who have to spend Xmas day on the streets , Its not right.
Not sure what the stats are here in the US, but pretty staggering I am sure. Almost 70, and no family left, in a rural area, I am alone as usual. However, I do celebrate, cook a nice meal, enjoy nature, put our extra seed for the birds. I suggest not buying into the hype: just enjoy what you have. Sadly, it seems the political situation here is isolating families: this is quite sad, as those in power don't care.
Home alone again, at 69 i am used to it after all these years. Surrounded by younger neighbours that come from generations that never think about others and the fact that someday they will be old. My heart goes out to those in a similar or worse postion with nowhere to call home. Christmas can be a happy and sad time for many, the Christmas spirit has long gone.
Wealth inequality certainly makes loneliness much worse.The Winter fuel payment could have bought some elderly lonely people a meal and some warmth in a nice restaurant this Christmas.
For some, .. it's a contest, to be happy, happier at Christmas. I've watched hours of commercials on TV total, this season, watching people around a table of food, or around a Christmas tree, or hugging each other after opening their gifts .. so, there's the commercial/corporate pressure, to experience this holiday, like this. My guess is, that for those who crave deeper meanings, of life .. that they usually walk away from their experiences, that resemble the just mentioned scenarios, .. with a bit of a hollow feeling. And, I'm glad that they recognize it.
I always went out of way to work over Xmas and any other bank holiday. Now retired and living on my own for 25 years, with dogs, I am not lonely and see no significance in it being Xmas. 🇮🇪🇪🇺
Midwest lasagna with jack cheese and ground beef, but its with my sister and brother and law and a mug of porter. I'm counting my blessingings such as they are.
I've been totally alone every Christmas since my marriage ended 6 years ago. Because for some reason all the friends I had were in couples and dropped me like a brick because I became single. Even though it was her that was unfaithful.
Thanks for pointing this out professor 👍 I'm one of the isolated people spending xmas and everyday alone. Made worse by chronic fatigue syndrome, which means i'm limited in what i can do and i'm prone to fatigue. Next year i want to join a choir, if i can cope, i hope it will help end my isolation. There are groups and organisations to reach out to if you don't want to be alone 24/7..I'm hoping 2025 will be the year my isolation ends!? Wishing everyone a peaceful holiday time and if you are isolated a less lonely 2025!🎉😊🧡👋🙏🤶
Professor, this year has not been a lonely day for me! Christmas has been different. I have been at one Christmas dinner with a friend and his family! And I may have a Christmas Boxing Day meal with others. And I have something to look forward to - then! I play my part as a Church Chorister. And perhaps I can say that I do so - through being hopeful and to try to be optimistic. There's things I will say after 12th Night, Professor - three things so far! For now I enjoy the season and look at a brighter future.
This day is, in reality, a very ancient festival. It's the celebration of the rebirth of the sun; the winter solstice. The 21st is the true date, after which we go from darkness into light, and the celebration wasn't intended to suggest that that particular day was meant to be happier than the rest. Later, the Romans celebrated the festival of the invincible sun (Sol Invictus) on the 25th because the Roman calendar at the time was not precise enough to accurately pinpoint the true date of the solstice because it didn't take into account the fact that the earth revolves around the sun in 365 and a "quarter" days, so all the dates were going a bit out of gear. Then, even later, this particular day get hijacked, and its true meaning was lost. In other words, a confounded mess was made of it all, and we're led to believe that "togetherness", etc., is more important on one particular day than all of the others. Insane!
Christianity has "hijacked," overlaid, or co-opted many indigenous sacred days worldwide (including the Celtic), usually deliberately, in its missionary zeal. Thanks for pointing out the history behind 12/25.
What I can't stand is when every aspect of the ststus quo maintain this fake image of Christmas as being the facade of what tv ads project that everyone has a huge family with lots of relatives All this while wallpapering over the cracks of society hoping that simply ignoring it will make it go away The trouble is nobody wants the responsibility of actually doing something for someone else They just like to say that someone should I'm 40 and I've been alone all day not that it bothers me
Solitude is often a choice. For all sorts of valid reasons. Loneliness isn't. It can hinder progress. Noone is an island. Sad that we see the decline of life supporting & enhancing services and places, or it's struggle or corruption. It can build bridges. provide purpose, respite and empower. What worries me , is that this can desensentize people to the struggles of others with good intent. Divide & rule. Not walk in someone else's shoes.
I am spending Christmas away from my family. Some of the female members can be very controlling and domineering, narcissisitic. I felt trapped in their homes with their barbed comments, felt rude to leave on Christmas Day. I planned to be away over Christmas, here I am in Herne Hill. Having a solo Christmas means you can do what you want, eat what you want (I had a salmon toastie), eat food that is easy to make. I have been listening to Notebook LM discussions, reading favourite magazines, currently Gardening ones, saving up newsarticles to read and doing some watercolour postcards. It is about respite from my family and focussing on my mental wellbeing so I can be recharged, not trraumatised by family dysfunctional hell. I had food poisoning at my brother's house was time, was ill for 2 weeks. I am having a lovely time, even have some presents. I think Christmas solo is so much better than doing with narcissists and socipaths on Christmas Day, shhh don't tell anyone. TH-cam christmas day broadcasts have been great, feel less isolated, we are not alone in some ways
Merry Christmas 🎄 Professor Wilson from America , and God Bless you for your Message of Christmas 2024 , human conditions of the day. And a little bit goes a long way , I brought a Young man dying of brain cancer , that he fought for 15 years , a tiny Xmas tree , cookies , a cap . He hugged the 🌲 tree . I brought a Young lady pictures of her father , that died when she was 2 , she didn't have a picture of him , along with Apples and Walnuts . I usually Donate , to mission on east coast , Warm shirts Socks , gloves , Soap . I walked thru the Nursing home and wished all the Lonely , forgotten elderly a Merry Christmas 🎄. Keep up the Good 🌹 Message Work Professor Wilson, and the need for public housing for Homeless . And little Donations , of anything else goes a very Long way . God Bless you , Professor Wilson ...keep Messaging .. Awareness is Everything 🌼🌹❤️
I lost my partner of 40 years a year ago, this is my second xmas alone. I think when your alone you need to become your own best friend and don’t buy into all the falseness of Xmas. Id rather be alone than with people who think they ought to invite you. I see the relief in peoples faces when you say you will have company, the relief is for themselves not you. They express concern out of guilt not real concern for if they did they would invite you. So become your own best friend and remember the one you loved and you wont be alone.
You was born alone and will leave the same way.
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Well said Professor. Most people are selfish now and lost their way to be concerned about others. Even at this time of year. Society is broken.
I detest the Fake bonhomie of Christmas as it is a painful reminder of isolation, familial abandonment and exclusion. The rot starts in families who fail to include other vulnerable family members in their socialising not only at Christmas but generally. Its not for charities to take over the role of families in this, its families themselves who have abrogated responsibility for their elderly and vulnerable family members and quite frankly its shameful, disgraceful and a clear illustration of how sick a society we have become. A society which ignores its vulnerable is doomed to fail.
Well said. ❤☃️
I'd say Thatcher started the rot with her 'There's no such thing as society' speech in the early 1980s. Since then, it's been the 'Sod you Jack, I'm alright' mentality, exacerbated with cuts to social services. Things have been made worse, as people tend to live longer than previously, meaning those in work have to shoulder an even heavier burden to support those retired and others not working. How to solve this is indeed a difficult question to answer.
I agree with you @racheloliver4027 I feel suffocated by the Christmas adverts and fakery at this time of year. My parents are dead, I have no brothers, no sisters, no children. I have many cousins around my age and whenever I reach out to them in December, to suggest meeting for a Starbucks coffee and cake, I'm mostly met with silence. We didnt fall out. I guess they feel guilty as 10 years ago I had cancer and after surgery came home to an empty house and spent that Christmas and New Year alone while they were 5 km away having family parties (I saw on social media). There's only so many times I can extend an olive branch to maintain contact. I guess people are selfish and move on. Out of sight out of mind. I see it with my elderly neighbours whose family turn up at Christmas but neglect them all year. I have a partner now so I'm not on my own today, not that it matters, but the emphasis on caring families and loved ones getting together today is overwhelming and sometimes I do want to jump on that bandwagon. Merry Christmas.
Beautifully said. I am enduring my 26th Christmas alone (2024) - just a ham sandwich and a tin of tomato soup for my Christmas dinner - but I know there are many people who are homeless etc so I never moan about my situation: I just think "It's just three days and then Life gets back to normal". What annoys me is that I live next door to a Preacher who stands in the bloody pulpit on a Sunday preaching "Love thy neighbour as thyself" yet he and his family never even say "hello" to me. What a hypocrite.
@@EdelweisSusie
I'm surrounded by such people. Sharp-elbowed people much like your preacher. I would eat my sandwich and soup alone rather than commune with such people.
I've eaten soup and sandwiches today myself. I raise my cup to you my friend.
Christmas is the hardest day for many, me also, theirs no tree , no presents, no family & I'm having beans on toast for Xmas dinner.
But I'm still more fortunate than thousands of others today, i at least have a roof over my head & I'm grateful for that. To everyone i wish peace and health 🎅✌💜
Same for me. I had a ham sandwich on lovely sourdough bread and a tin of Heinz tomato soup, same as I have for the other 25 Christmases I've been alone. Just Boxing Day to go and then Life goes back to normal (I'm not a New Year person anyway). Stay strong and I hope 2025 is a good year for us both. x
I hope the new year is better for both of you, l have spent the last few years of my own at Christmas .At least it's peaceful rather than spending a day with people l dislike.l didn't bother with Christmas dinner ,but l lit up the windows to cheer myself up.
@EdelweisSusie Bless you thank you for your lovely reply, yes only tomorrow to go, I'm the same i don't celebrate NYE I'm usually in bed by 10pm, wishing you a healthy and happy 2025 x😊
Yes I agree. My family are dysfunctional. I am alone too but I choose to be. I had a salami toastie today, I love these, tomorrow it is turkey slices and dips. I really prefer an easy to cook lunch. Having a roof over our head is more important and our health.
@@musings6307 absolutely agree, our health & a roof over our heads I'm grateful for, so many thousands have neither of those. 🙏
A recent widow , i laid a wreath on my hubbys grave yesterday. But i give my thanks for having a lovely meal today, even though on my own. At least im not out on the streets, ive clothes on my back, so many distressed people out there! Happy Christmas professor. ..☺️
Nice to see someone not thinking of themselves but others for once. My best wishes Prof Tim.
56, single on my own. I'm fine with it. I enjoy the peace and quite away from my job, away from people in general. Thankyou for the video.
nice
I'm 68 here & on my own most of the time.
Not spoken to anyone face to face, apart from retail staff, since last Thursday, but out with a walking group tomorrow 👍
Thank god for u-tube, emails & WhatsApp.
Thanks Tim. I’m alone today, unwell, but grateful to be in my own comfortable warm bed. I’m always glad when January arrives. The days are already getting lighter by 3 minutes a day. It’s difficult to ignore the consumerism but lots of people love Christmas, especially those with small children. I miss the good old days and don’t mind saying so. Take care everyone.
Joan, you'll have company tomorrow if you're heading to Southampton.
Merry Christmas to you.
@ thanks for your message. I’ll certainly be following the hammers online. We really need a win. Hope you get to see a victory. Merry Christmas.
@@Joan-COYI Merry christmas, you have us on TH-cam, TH-cam is great for all of us alone. I am looking forward to the new year, and spring and itching to get out in the garden
❤❤❤today i have been remembering my Husband ❤😢and my child hood days at Christmas yes alone ❤❤it is only my Faith in Jesus Christ that keeps me strong
Yes I look forward to the new year more so than Christmas, as the consumerism around Christmas is off the scale and I don't want the anxiety. The earliest evenings in this country are between the 11th and 16th December, but the mornings are still getting darker until the 2nd January. The Earth doesn't go around the sun in a perfect ellipse. So from the 3rd January the mornings and evenings are getting lighter, we will then be going in the right direction for spring.
I'm British, and I live in France. It's Christmas Day afternoon. I have neither seen, nor spoken to anyone. No phone calls in either direction, no E mails. Just me and the dog. Like any other day, for me. Other than a barrage of Christmas music on the wireless, I would never have been aware of the date. All things must pass.
that is so surprising, you would think people in France would be friendly
Well a happy Christmas from Ireland, you are lucky to have man's best friend. Say a prayer, read a good book, God bless and a happy new year 😊
God bless you!
My 67th birthday today. 1 card from sister whos overseas..... no calls, visits. quite disgusting...
Quite a lot of people I pass which I say, "Merry Christmas" to, don't reply, which is not surprising since when I say "Hello", most people don't reply.
Lovely of you to remember the less fortunate Tim . 360,000 people in the uk now homeless .
Much love to anyone out there on their own ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you. 💖🦌
Thank you, it isn't so bad actually
Ta!
I spend Christmas on my own, I'm 50 and i'm used to it. Maybe I might speak to one person but thats fine by me. Merry Christmas Tim and everyone!
Be happy everyday. Only an idiot would believe that xmas is different to any other. Some days it might involve other people, some days it might not. How many people would say in the last 365 days xmas was their happiest? Not many I would think if they were honest with themselves.
Merry Christmas from Atlanta
Merry Christmas dear boy sending best wishes and care God bless .
@@integralevideo Very true!!! It's total insane to suggest that one day of the year is happier than the remaining 364 days. This day is, in reality, a very ancient festival. It's the celebration of the rebirth of the sun; the winter solstice. The 21st is the true date, after which we go from darkness into light, and the celebration wasn't intended to suggest that that particular day was meant to be happier than the rest. Later, the Romans celebrated the festival of the invincible sun (Sol Invictus) on the 25th because the Roman calendar at the time was not precise enough to accurately pinpoint the true date of the solstice.
@@LordoftheFleet It's a pagan thing. The 12 number are the signs of the zodiac not the apostles. If you see it as a religious thing then you are being duped. Tomorrow will be better or yesterday might have been. To expect everyone's happy day to correspond to one day of the year..... nonsense.
some ppl are.comfortbale alone on xmas day. im alone and im comfortable
Ditto, I'm alone, NOT lonely.
yes, I once spent Christmas on my own and cycled to McDonald's and ate there. Not everyone would like this but I really enjoyed it.
@ProfoundFamiliarity one of my work mates did that this year. I had a ready meal.mousaka from Lidl 🤭
@@matthewwilliams8311 nice. I haven't have moussaka in a while
Another knee jerking message from you today Prof.Tim. I woke this morning thinking how lucky I am to be warm and comfortable, then watched your Todays message and reflected back to more troubled times in my own life which then prompted me to help support certain organisations who do wonderful things for the unfortunate at this time of year. Most of us could do more . I hope your message triggers more action from us all. God bless you 🎄🎄
As a person who craves solitude, I appreciate that there are also lonely people, and I feel for them ❤
Solitude is sublime so I find it difficult to understand the fuss!
@ Me too, but I know there are people who desire company but don’t have it ❤️🙁
yes, we are all different
I will be attending a community Christmas lunch today as I have done since my Mum died in 2018.
I'm sorry for your loss
I'm 46 and this is the first year I'm sat at my kitchen table on my own ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Merry Christmas 🎄 Tim , at least it’s not too cold this year x
Merry Christmas ❤
It's ok to be alone. Be human.
@@integralevideo I am 71 and I bought myself a PS5 for Christmas .... waiting for a game to download....
Merry Christmas. I lost my missus in July 2023, after being together for 41 years. Luckily, I have a stepdaughter and family, I'll be going to her home for Xmas dinner. Others aren't going to be so lucky today. I reckon the rot began in the early 1980s, when Thatcher stated there was no such thing as society. That led to a 'Sod you Jack, I'm alright' mentality, which persists to this day.
I am one of the old lonely. Can't even speak, even if there was someone to talk to. Can't eat, so Christmas dinner is a distant memory. I consider myself lucky though; I have a home to live in and my cats to keep me company. My thoughts go out to those less fortunate. Merry Christmas to all.
but you work with what you have. Yes, you are right we can be lucky in all sorts of ways. I am lucky I have a friend who I lets me stay at his home while he visits his parents, and there is some food in the fridge etc.
Who you need to spend xmas with is people that bring you joy. If that person is yourself then that's ok. Solitude at xmas is fine. There is no point in spending it with toxic relations.
The message is its OK to be isolated. Christmas is propaganda and anyone feeling differently to normal today because of the date is being manipulated. Feel good every day.
very well said. I am choosing to spend Christmas solo, and I love being away from my dysfunctional narcissistic family. I am having a Christmas retreat by doing wellbeing things for my mental health. Tomorrow I think I will walk in the park, hopefully a cafe of some sort will be open or I will bring a flask and read
Politicians have created the misery we see today , no one else ,they are far removed from the people they serve , how many will die early today on Christmas day ,that did not need to.
How many more billionaires are there,sat on piles of money , whilst most haven't got £10 for a meal or warmth , we cannot go another year , letting this happen ,we must not .
Look after yourselves, give where you can , help where you can , all the best to proff Tim a beacon of hope , in these selfish times .🤶🥂🙌
Yes, politicians are able to wield power without any responsibility. Witness already the utter denial by the previous Government of 14 years that they are in any way whatever responsible for the current abysmal state of public services, hollowed out to a point where they're barely functioning. As ever, politicians have to look for a scapegoat, currently it's the immigrants 'beloved' of the Tories, GB News and arsewipe Tory papers.
It's just pure consumerism,an empty day full of food drink and plastic crap. I prefer to be alone,been shopping for the last couple of days and not seen a smile on a single face.
Good. It should stay that way
I'm with you mate, the madness of people scrambling for as much food as possible . The stress people put themselves through is off the scale. Half the food they buy will be thrown away. It's very wasteful time of year. Another thing about modern day Christmas I don't like, is enforced happiness, we are all supposed to be happy and joyful on Christmas day, you wouldn't expect people to be happy and joyful on any other day.
It's just herd mentality that we're all impelled to be dragged along with
@@SamuelBlack84I’m with you Samuel. Charles Dickens et al have not succeeded in sucking me into their Yuletide expectations; it’s a social construct that I deconstructed when I was 10 - some 60 years ago. These seasonal clichés just bemuse we rational oldies.
@michaelpinder844 One reason among many why I became a Satanist
Its philosophies really resonate with me
I remember when older people had meals on wheels, home helps, neighbours, day centres and tea dances. Hairdressing, a barber, a hairdresser for ladies together with a podiatrists and chiropodists. People were cared for. The council provided these services and now we have nothing. Voluntary organisations were an added extra providing items such as a small Christmas hamper, some company etc. Now these organisations are providing everything and fighting to get funding which is shared with govt ‘ charities’ when they already get govt funding anyway.
Plus about 50p of every pound donated to charities is now going to the government in tax money
@@SamuelBlack84 yes. I ran a small charity which I set up. I didn’t take a penny from it. I was shocked to see Trustees and CEOs taking huge salaries! Ie the NSPCC finances ( look on the charity commission website under the name then press ‘ accounts’ , and they spend more on advertising , CEO , other salaries and marketing than counselling and direct services to children. The level of competition and aggression towards any other charities trying to help children is fierce. The same with MIND and other similar charities. I refuse to donate anymore …
From experience: Being homeless at Christmas time is the most emotionally painful period anyone could possibly encounter.
It's as though the entire world has turned its back on you. As though you're the last person on earth.
Merry Christmas, Tim.
Thank you for all you do.
From Finland with cheer. 🇫🇮
Same in USA. I spent the day with my dogs, two of them, and my cat. I followed along with a livestream Mass in OH and treated myself to Chinese food which I purchased on Tuesday and ate on Christmas. My pets were treated to canned food, the dogs each got a real beef bone and the cat, some catnip sewn into a little pillow. I listened to Christmas songs online and spent some time working on my braided rag rug. It’s for me, so it has last priority. I’m the only one left in my family and my one remaining lives 1,000+ miles away. She has children, grandchildren, great grandchildren to be with.
But I just accepted that most of my time, not just on holidays, is spent solo. I have a modest shelter, heat, food, clothing, transportation, and Jesus, Mary, and the Saints, ti keep me company.l
I choose to be alone at Xmas.. peace and quiet ❤
Ive spent the last 20 xmas and boxing days alone and loving it. 2x12 hour shifts as a security guard in an empty factory, double time. I do the same on Jan 1st & cash in all my holiday pay too.
That’s the way to do it! 🇮🇪🇪🇺
Everyone remembers the elderly, but spare a thought for the youngsters who cannot go home because they are working or cannot afford it. I remember meeting Australians, Germans, Americans and Italians one Christmas day in Amsterdam. We were all stranded but had a great day. Today will be more than 10 years since I had human company at Christmas. I am housebound and cannot walk a dog. I have my ferrets and I can watch a couple of old movies on TH-cam. That's enough for me as I don't like crowds. Merry Christmas everyone (as tiny Tim says). Enjoy the holidays. 😅
Merry Christmas from Atlanta 🎉
I have my two little panthers, brothers Johnny and Charlie, to look after today. I'll be sure to bring back some offerings for them after visiting my stepdaughter for Xmas dinner.
@@VeronicaAnderson-t2b Thank you and ditto.😄
@@paultaylor7082 Animals are wonderful😇
exactly well said. I feed my wild garden birds and spoil them, they have all sorts of things including real coconuts. I watch them from my doorbell cam while I am up in London. I don't want dogs, a lot of responsibility and expensive vets bills. Today I saw a jay in Herne Hill which was nice when I looked out the window.
It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society - krishnamurti..
I'm alone today. I wont speak to anyone, either - I'm only 30!
Then ‘ biketopia ‘ is for you🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Wishing you peace at Christmas, and may God bless you with a happy & healthy 2025. 💕
Embrace the peace. Or get out for a walk you’d be surprised how many others are out and about too. ❤
As long as you're alright, that's all that matters.
Find a non conformist ch 4:22 apel in the new year, you need kindness and unconditional support.
we went to Mass last night and was thinking ,just the same the Church has lost its way ,and needs to reach out to the people ,as many are to shy or proud to ask for the support at this time of Year,
Marry Christmas ,one and all .
Well, the recent resignation of their boss hardly gives the Church of England a moral mountain to preach from. My old Church, the Left Foot Brigade, has been noticeably silent on the matter, as numerous cases of sexual abuse have been recorded as being committed by their officials. Indeed, the Catholic Grammar School I went to, in the mid to late 1960s/early 1970s, had one of its old teachers jailed for sexual abuse around 15 years ago.
many of us prefer to avoid religious people actually
I wish England had Churches of Satan where Satanists like me could gather
This increase is inevitable with an ageing population and a falling birth rate in the UK. Thanks for your kind thoughts and have a good Christmas.
and an awareness that we won't put up with dysfunctional people
I'm alone - my wife died during the pandemic. Atleast I have roof over my head - I consider myself lucky - but life can still be pretty miserable.
Xmas is overhyped commercialism, I do my best to ignore it. I hate it when people try and pressure me into getting involved. I will be glad when it’s over for another year and I can get on with doing the things I like.
Society should adopt the Satanic philosophy for a change
I like to isolate. I'm 64 and have lived with others over the years. But now I prefer to be on my own doing my own thing. Im alone but not lonely. I wouldn't want other peoples baggage , issues and troubles either.
This is my twenty-sixth Christmas alone. One more day to go - and Life gets back to normal again (yay!).
I have handed out Food Parcels & Presents for charities in the past. But this year my BF & I are cooking for the neighbours. We have been busy. So I must go & do some more cooking. Love to all this Christmas, solve all your problems by sharing at Christmas & make giving a permanent gift.
it''s ok to NOT do for othersd on one day and particularly if you've done charity work year round. IMO, the approach to solving the issue of isolation, especially for already vulneable people, is NOT theraputic in the slightest when the people are treated AS something to be charitable towards. Have you ever heard of just making friends with people?? It's possbile to have elderly friends and young adult freinds and middle aged friends but because someone has no freinds, for any reason, they're not allowed the dignity of being wanted as a freind, but rather must be treated as something pitiable? That's toxic.
@NI4NI-y5f I have a great variety of friends, I have just made a Brocolli & Stilton soup for starters. Putting the Lamb in for mains. Don't do pity or toxic. Just do Happiness, it alleviates my depression.
I was with a narcisst..I enjoy being on my own after leaving him.
Good you have covered this professor Tim. I personally love being on my own but understand its not for everyone. Christmas should be about reaching out and caring🙏💚
Happy new year prof, join a walking club, do some art, join the U3A. Get out and meet people. Good health to you. x
I struggled this Christmas because I made an effort to spend time with family but for reasons I won't go into, I found it difficult. I usually relax better when I'm on my own although at the same time, yes, I do sometimes feel a bit lonely.
Same for me Prof. All alone. 😞 Thanks for the recognition.
I got divorced at 40 woke up alone on Xmas day , was use to be with my wife and children was the hardest day of my life , thank god I had my mum who I spent the day with , sadly she not here now , and my family don’t really care for each other , but you get stronger and harden to being on your own , life is tough , stay strong people
Merry Christmas Tim.
And a big thank you for all your efforts.
Your stimulating of pertinent conversations and tolerating a range of views is much appreciated.
Prof Tim, a man who consistently shines warmth, light, empathy and kindness onto our smart phones. Alas, no doubt there will equally be some sadness and loneliness today across the UK.
It has taken me nearly 40 years to wake up on christmas day, get through a few hours of it and realize it is that day. I love being alone and not acknowledging it.
A brilliant video and quiet apt given the day and time of year spare a thought for the many who will be struggling with Isolation and those who do not have a place to call home as we know Government don't care just see annual suicide rates and the war against the most vulnerable in society.
Yes I actually switched on the heating today and thought " to hell with it " !
I spend Christmas on my own most of my friends are death life goes on
💖🙏☃️
@@peteduch2151 that's a good attitude
Sending best wishes and care God bless ❤
I'm alone too, all my family have died some friends and the rest I lost contact with! Sadly I'm used to being alone. Next year I want to join a choir and hoping that helps! Merry Christmas wishing you all the best in 2025. If you don't want to be alone you need to connect to groups and organisations, there are groups you can join if you want to? 😊
@@peteduch2151 so same here🧐🇮🇪
I think the issue is, as you touched on that the people that find themselves on their own at this time of the year have been on their own during the year has well. So more & better support should be available for those people that need it surely. That responsibility falls at the feet of the government & local authorities. ✨🎄
Thank you for the thoughts of others on Christmas Day 🙏 nice to see someone care
Merry Christmas from Atlanta 🎉
@@VeronicaAnderson-t2b Merry Christmas from Michigan 🥰
Good morning, and a very Merry Christmas from the US ❤
Some beautiful comments here today, thank you all.
Merry Xmas Prof! 🎄😉😉
For more years than I can remember, I've spent Xmas Day with a dear friend. Up to recently, I've always gigged on Xmas Eve (at the same venue and it was always amazing) so I much preferred a very quiet Xmas day. We have a lovely meal (home made Xmas Pud) exchange presents, go for a walk, fall asleep, wake up, eat more and binge watch something on Netflix.
This year, however, she contemplated going to New York, to spend Xmas with her son and his family, but, due to mobility issues, she was unable to go. But, I was facing, the first ever Xmas alone, as my family are miles away. But, tbh, I wouldn't have minded, as I have a similar day planned with another friend tomorrow.
I'm not a lover of big gatherings and guess that, eventually, I'll be spending Xmas alone, at some point.
I know a number of people in the same boat, but they don't seem to mind.
We increasingly live in a world where some people choose and prefer to live on their own..
I certainly do!
it's a sad fact that many elderly folk have no one in their lives to turn to, no relatives and no friends. Though in cities and towns there are organisations, community centres, churches etc; where there is at least some form of respite one might access should a person wish it.
I am elderly (73) with absolutely no one on this Christmas day, and I live out in the countryside with access to...well nothing whatsoever. I and those in my region have no buses since the routes were scrapped completely 3 years ago and even he post office closed for good too.
There are no organisations nor any facilities one might turn to & avail ones self of as I see the distant twinkling of distant Christmas lights in the nearest village...but this only underscores the desolation that I feel.
It seems the more society is electronically connected, the more isolated and lonely we become.
Thanks for a pertinent reminder, Professor, I count myself extremely fortunate to have a roof over my head and have my wife ,children and grandchildren with me ,I consider that to be priceless
End of year poem of the week - The New Colossus
Emma Lazarus
1849 -
1887
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she
With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”❤
The timeliest and most on-point message possible for all the MAGA-grinches, who think they alone know what it means to make a nation great. ❤
Thank you Professor, for your Kindness and Love. Your message rings as loud as the church bells ❤🔔🎄
Little bit kidness can be priceless to others..merry Christmas to you and yours.
First Christmas without my lovely Mum. I'll go to family later but have always found Christmas Day in relatives homes rather claustrophobic. The ideal day for me would be a picnic, flask of coffee and get out on a good walk with my little dog. He's currently asleep on my knee though! Merry Christmas to one and all. Here's hoping for a peaceful 2025 x
Happy holidays professor and thank you for your work
A most thought provoking Christmas homily. Scattered family, dined with my youngest sister last nite and today more expected; caught Scott's portrayal of Scrooge yesterday, which always stops my complacency cold. Thought of myself half a century ago and a teenage soldier out Christmas patrol, another day like any other the calendar be still. Time flies so quickly but I cherish all my Christmas days. Once, during the war my mother sadly told me she expected I'd spend Christmas in Saigon, however because of a complicated fateful quirk I almost was in Bethlehem that year. What the US Army can't do and the Palestine Liberation Organization did, many moons ago; all bunched up an old man's crazy memories of Christmas past. Last nite, Sharon remarked my white beard made me a Santa Claus character actor candidate. Made me think I should volunteer next year for the Salvation Army and ring a bell over a cash kettle or something. Merry Christmas.
A quick salute from an ex-MP, who clearly remembers being assembled DEFCON III in Germany in October '73, waiting for the orders that never came.
Prof Tim, well said.
Thank you Prof.im alone myself and live in France but must admit I have chosen to be like this.I am 76 and all my core friends and family are past away,Christmas to me means nothing,sadly.
Being alone to me means being in the company of someone you can get along with.
With many couples no longer having kids the situation will only get worse.
We have two adult children, they live in two other countries ... We'll not see each other, we all have our own lives.
Truly, I pity the overtly emotional, lives controlled by a complete lack of reason.
couples ? lol
I am 71 male, and have no kids, this was a deliberate choice, many years ago, after being bought up as the eldest in a family of 5 kids I know what it's like to have parents who struggle everyday to make ends meet, despite them both working, and I love them both for how hard they tried.
I made the decision when I was still in my mid teens that, (apart from 'accidents') I would not bring a human being into this world until such a time that I was confident that I could support him/her/them, turns out I always had crap low paying jobs because I insisted on only working at jobs I LIKED rather than chasing the wages.
I think that I must be ahead of my time as I made that choice in the late 1960s,
NO regrets... well, a few,... but then...
@@FatherJack-sp1gc I know of one guy who made a 'life choice', around age 16, that he was never going to work for a living. He'll be around 68 now, I've not seen him in over a decade. Ironically, the last I heard he was he was working as an adviser at a Citizen's Advice Bureau near where I live. I'd say since he's successfully avoided work for decades, if anybody knew how to play the system, it would be him.
Fatherjack you are a kind man, I’m the same didn’t want to bring sentinent beings into this world to suffer like I did. Unfortunatlely many make an emotional decision and cannot be rational when it comes to children.
The entire world is in decline in every metric. Especially our economic systems no longer work for everyone.
Beautifully expressed. I can't ignore people out in the cold at this or any other time of year so I do what I can
A hot drink and a sandwich or soup and bread
People say it's unwise to help them but I'd rather help ten people and find only one was genuinely in need than risk that one person being missed...
Happy Christmas
Since 1969, when only 1 in 100 under 18s spent Xmas alone, nowadays it's up to 1 in 10, a ten fold increase in 55 years. This is the long term result of Austerity over 14 years, 2010-24, where cutbacks in Government spending, especially in areas controlled by councils, coupled with a shortage of housing, soaring property prices and rents has resulted in the current dire state of public services.
Good post.
This year I treated it as a normal day
Im spending today on my own through choice as its quite a funny story , I cant get an NHS dentist and my teeth due to years of drinking soft drinks have like broken to the gum line so i am being forced to get a loan for £3800 to extract the bad teeth and get dentures im only 38 years old so i did not want to go to my relatives home with bad teeth as i cant eat properly at the moment , Also both my parents died when i was younger so my family is very fragmented since then but i am lucky i do have a home at the moment that is an affordable rent but yeah i feel sorry for the veterans who fought for this country who have to spend Xmas day on the streets , Its not right.
Not sure what the stats are here in the US, but pretty staggering I am sure. Almost 70, and no family left, in a rural area, I am alone as usual. However, I do celebrate, cook a nice meal, enjoy nature, put our extra seed for the birds. I suggest not buying into the hype: just enjoy what you have. Sadly, it seems the political situation here is isolating families: this is quite sad, as those in power don't care.
yes, I put out extra seed and coconuts for the birds, and watch them on my doorbell camera when I am away
We have brought all this upon ourselves we reap what we sow !
Home alone again, at 69 i am used to it after all these years.
Surrounded by younger neighbours that come from generations
that never think about others and the fact that someday they will be old.
My heart goes out to those in a similar or worse postion with nowhere
to call home.
Christmas can be a happy and sad time for many, the Christmas spirit has long gone.
If only Dickens could have seen our “Ghost of Christmas Future”. It may have even surprised him.
Thanks, Professor. I agree with what you say.
Wealth inequality certainly makes loneliness much worse.The Winter fuel payment could have bought some elderly lonely people a meal and some warmth in a nice restaurant this Christmas.
For some, .. it's a contest, to be happy, happier at Christmas. I've watched hours of commercials on TV total, this season, watching people around a table of food, or around a Christmas tree, or hugging each other after opening their gifts .. so, there's the commercial/corporate pressure, to experience this holiday, like this. My guess is, that for those who crave deeper meanings, of life .. that they usually walk away from their experiences, that resemble the just mentioned scenarios, .. with a bit of a hollow feeling. And, I'm glad that they recognize it.
I always went out of way to work over Xmas and any other bank holiday. Now retired and living on my own for 25 years, with dogs, I am not lonely and see no significance in it being Xmas. 🇮🇪🇪🇺
@@Mounhas ba hum bug you miserable old git
Merry Christmas Professor. And to everyone else, whether you are spending it alone or with family 🎄
Happy Christmas from Atlanta to you Professor 🎉
Midwest lasagna with jack cheese and ground beef, but its with my sister and brother and law and a mug of porter. I'm counting my blessingings such as they are.
Merry Christmas to all
Thanks Tim...that was very beautiful and so True.... Merry Christmas to you and yours 🎄
Merry Christmas Tim. Have a wonderful day.
Merry Christmas Professor, and all on your channel and world. Peace to all.
I've been totally alone every Christmas since my marriage ended 6 years ago. Because for some reason all the friends I had were in couples and dropped me like a brick because I became single. Even though it was her that was unfaithful.
Merry Christmas and thanks for all the videos.
Merry Christmas Professor and everyone
Thanks for pointing this out professor 👍 I'm one of the isolated people spending xmas and everyday alone. Made worse by chronic fatigue syndrome, which means i'm limited in what i can do and i'm prone to fatigue. Next year i want to join a choir, if i can cope, i hope it will help end my isolation. There are groups and organisations to reach out to if you don't want to be alone 24/7..I'm hoping 2025 will be the year my isolation ends!? Wishing everyone a peaceful holiday time and if you are isolated a less lonely 2025!🎉😊🧡👋🙏🤶
I am so sorry to hear this - the choir however is an excellent idea
@ProfessorTimWilson Thank you! Merry Christmas to you and your! All the best in 2025! 🙂🧡👋👍🙏
It’s not an inequality.. it’s a part of uncaring society.. loneliness kills more than cold homes or even brings about lack of self care.. 🤔
Professor, this year has not been a lonely day for me! Christmas has been different. I have been at one Christmas dinner with a friend and his family! And I may have a Christmas Boxing Day meal with others. And I have something to look forward to - then!
I play my part as a Church Chorister. And perhaps I can say that I do so - through being hopeful and to try to be optimistic. There's things I will say after 12th Night, Professor - three things so far! For now I enjoy the season and look at a brighter future.
Thank you for your profound analysis! Merry Christmas Professor Wilson!
This day is, in reality, a very ancient festival. It's the celebration of the rebirth of the sun; the winter solstice. The 21st is the true date, after which we go from darkness into light, and the celebration wasn't intended to suggest that that particular day was meant to be happier than the rest. Later, the Romans celebrated the festival of the invincible sun (Sol Invictus) on the 25th because the Roman calendar at the time was not precise enough to accurately pinpoint the true date of the solstice because it didn't take into account the fact that the earth revolves around the sun in 365 and a "quarter" days, so all the dates were going a bit out of gear. Then, even later, this particular day get hijacked, and its true meaning was lost. In other words, a confounded mess was made of it all, and we're led to believe that "togetherness", etc., is more important on one particular day than all of the others. Insane!
Christianity has "hijacked," overlaid, or co-opted many indigenous sacred days worldwide (including the Celtic), usually deliberately, in its missionary zeal. Thanks for pointing out the history behind 12/25.
What I can't stand is when every aspect of the ststus quo maintain this fake image of Christmas as being the facade of what tv ads project that everyone has a huge family with lots of relatives
All this while wallpapering over the cracks of society hoping that simply ignoring it will make it go away
The trouble is nobody wants the responsibility of actually doing something for someone else
They just like to say that someone should
I'm 40 and I've been alone all day not that it bothers me
Very good video indeed Professor, with well thought through observations on the harsh realities of modern day society.
Solitude is often a choice. For all sorts of valid reasons. Loneliness isn't. It can hinder progress. Noone is an island. Sad that we see the decline of life supporting & enhancing services and places, or it's struggle or corruption. It can build bridges. provide purpose, respite and empower. What worries me , is that this can desensentize people to the struggles of others with good intent. Divide & rule. Not walk in someone else's shoes.
I am spending Christmas away from my family. Some of the female members can be very controlling and domineering, narcissisitic. I felt trapped in their homes with their barbed comments, felt rude to leave on Christmas Day. I planned to be away over Christmas, here I am in Herne Hill. Having a solo Christmas means you can do what you want, eat what you want (I had a salmon toastie), eat food that is easy to make. I have been listening to Notebook LM discussions, reading favourite magazines, currently Gardening ones, saving up newsarticles to read and doing some watercolour postcards. It is about respite from my family and focussing on my mental wellbeing so I can be recharged, not trraumatised by family dysfunctional hell. I had food poisoning at my brother's house was time, was ill for 2 weeks. I am having a lovely time, even have some presents. I think Christmas solo is so much better than doing with narcissists and socipaths on Christmas Day, shhh don't tell anyone. TH-cam christmas day broadcasts have been great, feel less isolated, we are not alone in some ways
Merry Christmas 🎄 Professor Wilson from America , and God Bless you for your Message of Christmas 2024 , human conditions of the day. And a little bit goes a long way , I brought a Young man dying of brain cancer , that he fought for 15 years , a tiny Xmas tree , cookies , a cap . He hugged the 🌲 tree . I brought a Young lady pictures of her father , that died when she was 2 , she didn't have a picture of him , along with Apples and Walnuts . I usually Donate , to mission on east coast , Warm shirts Socks , gloves , Soap . I walked thru the Nursing home and wished all the Lonely , forgotten elderly a Merry Christmas 🎄. Keep up the Good 🌹 Message Work Professor Wilson, and the need for public housing for Homeless . And little Donations , of anything else goes a very Long way . God Bless you , Professor Wilson ...keep Messaging .. Awareness is Everything 🌼🌹❤️
Merry Christmas Antia 🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🎁🎁🎁🎁