As I write this it has just been announced that restrictions may be lifted for a few days at Christmas and it got me wondering how people felt about this.

For lots of people the festive season is a time they look forward to, plan for, and enjoy getting together with family and friends.

Things will definitely be different this year. The magic of the child's nativity play with proud parents shedding a tear while listening to 'Away in a Manger' is most likely going to be a virtual event and the Christmas parties and meals out will probably not happen. This will be disappointing for some who love the traditions and social side of the festive period.

Not everyone enjoys a 'normal' Christmas

However, this is not the case for everyone and it may not be the case for you. At this time of year, we are constantly told "Tis the season to be jolly!", but what if you don't feel jolly? Why should you be told how to feel just because of the date? 'It's cold and dark! What is there to be jolly about?!' (you might think).

Many people find it a difficult time for lots of reasons. The image of Christmas that is portrayed everywhere, particularly on television adverts is of families gathered together, laughing, eating delicious food with a roaring fire with smiling happy people.

If, perhaps, your life is not so great right now, believing that the rest of the world is cosy and cheerful can make problems feel multiplied.

Christmas can be stressful for some. In fact, it can be exhausting and overwhelming, even if life is otherwise relatively stress free. For people who are struggling with their mental health or who are going through a rough time, it can make it feel all the more difficult.

There are financial pressures to shop for amazing presents and this year in particular, with so many having lost jobs or been furloughed, it can only add to the pressure. Then there is the cooking, decorating the home, more shopping, entertaining family, going to social events and yet more shopping!

So, I was wondering: what percentage of people would secretly like to have been locked down over Christmas and perhaps have some of the pressure taken off, and what percentage are desperate to mingle with friends and colleagues and party and 'be jolly?'

Find your own way of coping

Whatever your view is on Christmas, this year will likely be like no other. If you are feeling apprehensive about how it will unfold then here are a few points that might help ease the pressure.

Set a budget - Presents don't have to be huge and expensive, it really is the thought that counts.

It's okay to say 'no' sometimes - You don't have to please everyone.

Do not believe everything you see on social media. We all usually only post our happy/exciting moments.

Share the load - Others are also able to do some of the cooking/ shopping/ cleaning. Don't shut others out from helping. They might genuinely believe that you enjoy doing it all!

Reach out if you're feeling lonely – Loneliness can feel so much worse in the festive season when you imagine the rest of the world is having a Picture Book Christmas. Tell somebody how you are feeling - there is no shame in feeling lonely and reaching out may bring people to you.

Look after your body – Alcohol consumption can be increased at Christmas (and the temptation to overeat!!) It might make you feel better at the moment but the long-term effects are unlikely to be helpful.

Tis the season to be... whatever you feel. It's 2020: No rules, no pressure.

Jennie Finnerty is a trained counsellor and offers private counselling sessions both virtually and (as restrictions allow) in person. If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health and feel you may benefit from professional help, you can contact Jennie through her website www.dawlishcounselling.co.uk