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A happy and hard time of the year

  • Writer: Louise Coughlin
    Louise Coughlin
  • Dec 23, 2025
  • 2 min read

Updated: Dec 24, 2025

My Christmas break has begun. I finished work at lunchtime on Friday and attended a great Christmas concert on Saturday night, some Carols, some oldies and some classic pop songs, accompanied by a string quartet, acoustic guitars and saxophone....it really got me in the Christmas spirit, so much so come Monday I was already wondering what day it is!



Not everyone has the same fondness for Christmas as I do. I know that only too well from my therapy clinic. For some, Christmas as a child meant more abuse...because it’s Christmas right. For some it meant seeing their parents arguing more, or one parent being assaulted more. Some people are that parent, the one being used as a punch bag when alcohol is drunk to excess or just because someone is bored. Some people have to deal with the family dynamics that rear their head this time every year...why do grown adults turn into teenagers when they return to the family home?  I feel sad for those who struggle (at Christmas but also throughout the rest of the year). I hope that each year they can make better memories of Christmas...to battle those demons, those triggers, and to instead learn what it is to be loved and receive kindness. 


To my clients you are amazing, I’m sorry for you that you need someone like me in your life, but I’m glad for you that you were able to take the step into therapy. Christmas can mean what you want it to mean, not what other people made you feel about it.


For those who do celebrate, I hope it is a good one. See you in the new year.


For those needing it here are some helplines (taken from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cr7l3kr3d5ro) - I hope they do not become necessary


Safety information is available 24 hours a day via the DVAP website, external and "immediate danger" should be reported to the police.

Other helpline numbers:

  • National Domestic Abuse Helpline - 0808 2000247

  •  Women's Aid Live Chat, external is available 10:00 GMT to 18:00 seven days a week

  • National Centre for Domestic Violence - 0800 2709070 or text NCDV to 60777

  • ManKind - for male victims of domestic abuse - 01823 334244

  • Men's Advice Line - 0808 8010327, or email info@mensadviceline.org.uk

  • The National LGBT Domestic Abuse Helpline - 0800 9995428

  • Childline - 24-hour support for anyone aged under 19 - 0800 111111

  • The Blue Door - although based in North and North East Lincolnshire, they also work with victims in the Hull and East Riding area - 0800 1974787, 01724 841947 or email info@thebluedoor.org

  • Refuge offers a 24-hour helpline - 0808 2000247

  • Karma Nirvana - help and support for women and girls who have been victims of honour-based abuse or forced marriages - 0800 5999247.


and some others



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