The holiday season is often thought of as a joyful time—a chance to gather with loved ones, share meals, and celebrate cherished traditions. Fibromyalgia Association Canada (FAC) recognizes that this isn’t the reality for everyone.

For some, especially those living with fibromyalgia and dealing with its challenges, the holidays can feel isolating and emotionally difficult.

While the season is often portrayed as festive and bright, it’s important to acknowledge that it can bring feelings of loneliness, sadness, or frustration if your current circumstances don’t match the images of joy around you. These emotions are completely valid, and you’re not alone in experiencing them.  When we have experienced the loss of family members and/or good friends, seasonal holidays can be a harsh reminder and a trigger for all of the emotions that come with grieving.

At FAC, we understand how tough this time of year can be.

Many in the fibromyalgia community share similar struggles during the holidays. Remember, your feelings matter, and there’s a fibromyalgia community here to support you.

Although loneliness during the holidays can feel overwhelming, there are small steps you can take to bring comfort and connection into your life. Recognizing and accepting your feelings is an important starting point. By allowing yourself to acknowledge these emotions without judgment, you can begin to navigate this challenging time with greater self-compassion and self-care. Accepting allows you to move on to the next stage which is combating loneliness.

Here are some simple ideas to help:

Create Your Own Traditions

If the typical holiday traditions don’t resonate with you or aren’t feasible, consider creating your own. Focus on activities that bring you comfort and joy. Perhaps you can prepare a favorite meal, decorate your space in a way that feels special, or spend an evening enjoying your favorite holiday movies or music. These small rituals can be grounding and provide moments of peace and happiness during the season. If you don’t have the money for decorations, then you can make some. Crafting can be very relaxing. Recognizing and processing our feelings of grief can help.  One idea is to create a tradition of remembering family members, or friends we have lost, by visiting their grave site, and taking reflective moments to bring forth positive emotions and experiences we had with those who have journeyed on past this life.

Connect in Meaningful Ways

Even if you’re physically alone, connection is still possible. Reach out to a friend, family member, a community centre or support groups. Look for local holiday events, like community dinners, tree lightings, or craft shows. A simple phone call, video chat, a chat with a vendor or even participating in an online community can help you feel less isolated.

FAC is hosting “Holiday Hangouts” every Monday throughout December and the first Monday in January.  Come join us and share your experiences and connect with others who understand what you’re going through. Sign up here https://fibrocanada.ca/en/fac-holiday-hangouts/

Practice Self-Compassion

This season, prioritize yourself and your well-being. Living with fibromyalgia means your energy is a precious resource, so it’s okay to say no to things that feel overwhelming or stressful. Give yourself permission to rest and engage in activities that bring you comfort, like meditating, enjoying a warm bath, or practicing gentle stretching exercises. Remember, you deserve care and kindness, especially from yourself. Try not to counter loneliness with keeping so busy you wear yourself out. If weather and energy permit, take short, leisurely walks outdoors to enjoy the winter scenery. Bundle up warmly and take breaks as needed.

Focus on Gratitude

Finding gratitude, even in the smallest things, can help shift your perspective. It might be the warmth of a favorite blanket, the taste of a comforting drink, or the beauty of a snowy morning. These moments, however small, are reminders that joy can be found even in quieter times.

Volunteer and Reach Out to Help Others

Reaching out to help others during the holidays can be a powerful way to create connections and bring comfort to those who are also struggling. Whether it’s checking in on a friend, offering support to a neighbor, or volunteering your time with a local organization, small acts of kindness can make a big difference. By extending a hand to someone in need, you not only brighten their day but also foster a sense of purpose and connection for yourself. Helping others is a powerful way to feel connected. Many organizations welcome volunteers during the holidays, providing opportunities to meet new people while giving back.

No matter how you choose to spend the holidays, know that your feelings are valid and that you are seen, heard, and supported. FAC wishes you peace, comfort, and strength this season

Seek Professional Support

If feelings of loneliness become overwhelming talk to someone, whether it be a counselor, therapist or mental health hotline. Sometimes, simply talking to someone can make a significant difference.

If you need mental health support during the holiday season or any time of year the following resources are available in Canada.

  • 211 Canada – a free helpline that connects you to local services, including mental health support
  • Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
  • Talk Suicide Canada:
    •  Phone: 1-833-456-4566 (24/7)
    • Text: 45645 (4 PM – 12 AM ET)

This service offers confidential crisis support for anyone thinking about suicide or in emotional distress.

  • Kids Help Phone (for youth and young adults)
    • Phone: 1-800-668-6868 (24/7)
    • Text: Text CONNECT to 686868

Provides free, confidential support for youth across Canada.

All Provinces and Territories offer 24/7 mental health crisis lines:

  • Alberta: Mental Health Help Line – 1-877-303-2642
  • British Columbia: Crisis Centre BC – 310-6789 (no area code needed)
  • Manitoba: Klinic Crisis Line – 1-888-322-3019
  • New Brunswick: 1- 866-355-5550
  • Newfoundland and Labrador: 811
  • Northwest Territories: 811
  • Nova Scotia: Mental Health Crisis Line – 1-888-429-8167
  • Nunavut: 1-800-265-333
  • Ontario: ConnexOntario – 1-866-531-2600
  • Prince Edward Island: 1-833-553-6983
  • Quebec: Info-Santé 811 or Tel-Aide – 1-800-279-7437
  • Saskatchewan: Mobile Crisis Services – 306-757-0127
  • Yukon: 1-844-533-3030