Trauma Therapy by Trish

25/12/2025

24/12/2025

DOOR 24:
XMAS EVE

'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a headless turkey...

Hopefully, you are feeling prepared and ready for tomorrow.
It is now too late to be a headless turkey, or even to bury your head in the stuffing mix!

Remember: Christmas is about HOPE, JOY, LOVE & PEACE.
It is about making memories and enjoying time with people that are precious to us, and remembering those who are no longer here.🎈

So, check that list one last time.
BREATHE
Pour yourself a drink and take a moment to appreciate all you have achieved so far.

It may be early bed, or late night wrapping, but either way, try doing it with a smile, maybe some Christmas Music, and know that you have given it your all!

I wish you a lovely Christmas, for me, tonight includes a family get together for my kids, usually stuffing the bird & wrapping the pigs in their blankets, even prepping some veg.

When the kids were small it also included the compulsory bedtime story of The Night Before Christmas 🎅

23/12/2025

Almost there!

Door 23:
All about PAPER

Let's go OLD SKOOL...

If you haven't yet, try and tackle the wrapping today! (If you find you have missed someone, there is at least half a shopping day left). 🎈

Continuing on from Saturday's FAMILY ACTIVITIES, why no go OLD SKOOL with paper-based activities, such as:
🎅How many words can you make out of MERRY CHRISTMAS
🎅Downloading & printing seasonal wordsearches, colouring, dot-to-dots etc
🎅Who Am I game (post-it-note on forehead one)
🎅Pictionary or Hangman
🎅Make your own Crackers

22/12/2025

We are now in week 4 of the Advent Calendar!

Door 22:
SAD awareness

Did you know about Seasonal Affective Disorder?
It is a type of depression linked to seasonal changes, most commonly starting in Autumn / Winter resulting in low mood & low energy. It is often linked with less sunlight, and less colour generally (dull skies, bare trees etc).
It is also the reason some families choose to put up bright Christmas decorations so early! (Spreading JOY)

We have just passed the shortest day, so if you are struggling with this, good news, lighter days are coming (slowly). 🎈 (HOPE message for today)

I experience this yearly; unfortunately, it usually coincides with my birthday in early November, not because it's my birthday, but because the weather usually has changed and the clocks have gone back.

🎅My TIP: Invest in a Sunlight Lamp (maybe treat yourself this Christmas or in the sales) it really improves my energy levels and lifts my mood, particularly on grey, wet days.

The other thing I try to do is get to the swimming pool more often when the season changes, pushing myself to get up early, even on dark mornings.

*SAD can also affect people in Spring & Summer, but it is less common.

Have you noticed a seasonal shift in yourself of your family?

21/12/2025

How are we at 21 December already?

Door 21:
KNOW WHEN TO DEFROST

Today is all about planning...

Check how long items need defrosting for, to prevent unnecessary stress.

The safest way to defrost a turkey, is in the fridge, on a drip tray (ideally on bottom shelf). Remember if you are stuffing the bird, it will need to be thawed in time to do that (I usually do this job on Christmas Eve evening).

Turkeys take about 10-12 hours per KG to defrost, or 24 hours for every 4-5lbs.
🎅A 6kg turkey needs about 2.5 DAYS
🎅A 15lb turkey needs roughly 3 DAYS

Also check any frozen DESSERTS for defrost times.

Set a reminder on your phone or put a note on the fridge or freezer door to remind you when to start defrosting - no-one wants food poisoning or to break a tooth on a frozen dessert! 🎈

20/12/2025

For details of other Helplines which are open over the Christmas and New Year period, please visit our website: childbereavementuk.org/out-of-hours-support

20/12/2025

Advent of Hope - Grief doesn’t take a holiday even on Christmas. 💜

Take a moment to check in with your loved ones today; loss and heartache don’t pause for celebrations.

20/12/2025

If you need support over the festive period, you're not alone.

Our helpline phonelines will be open from:

✨9:30am - 1pm
Christmas Eve

✨10am - 2pm
Christmas Day
Boxing Day
29th December - 1st January

Call 0808 808 1677. If you’re struggling and the helpline isn’t available, please do call Samaritans on 116 123.

https://ow.ly/OFRJ50XJLtN

20/12/2025

You get to define what a meaningful holiday looks like. Not the version full of “shoulds.” I should do more. I should enjoy this more. I should want this.⁠
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If a “should” shows up, pause and ask: Where did this come from? My family, my fear, someone else’s voice?⁠
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You don’t have to reject it either. Just set it on the shelf for a moment.⁠ Think of it like an adult version of Elf on the Shelf - not watching, not judging! Just placed somewhere you don’t have to carry it right now.⁠
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Then translate it into a want. “I want this to feel lighter.” “I want to enjoy myself.” If the holidays feel heavy, overwhelming, or like too much - that’s not a personal failure. It’s a signal. And you’re allowed to listen to it.⁠
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Skipping traditions, saying no, doing less, choosing ease - these aren’t signs you’re “ruining” anything. Often, they’re how we protect connection, regulation, and ourselves.

20/12/2025

Be gentle with yourself this Christmas 💜

20/12/2025

School is OUT!

We are on the final countdown, and if you have children, they are probably getting rather excitable right now, and possible impatient, and dare I say, bored already?

Door 20:
FAMILY ACTIVITIES

Christmas is all about JOY and LOVE - so spend some quality time with your loved ones - children grow up so fast, enjoy it while you can! 🎈

🎅Why not try a Winter Scavenger Hunt...
https://euc7zxtct58.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/05152225/MHUK2726_5-ways_Winter-Walk-About_02.pdf

🎅Follow that with a Family Movie Night, or reading a story together before bedtime.

20/12/2025

If you need help over the Christmas period and don't know who to turn to, check out our article which lists which NHS services can help you when your GP is closed. https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/advice-and-information/2025-09-02/where-can-i-get-help-health-out-hours