Welcome to the Christmas Sanctuary
We know all too well the added stress our relationships and wellbeing can come under at Christmas time, especially this year when the cost-of-living crisis is set to continue. Whether it's the added pressure to spend more time with family and the in-laws, money worries or other stressors on your mind, you're not alone.
That's why we've created this space for you.
Our Christmas Sanctuary is an online haven you can visit if things get overwhelming or if you just need to take a breath. It includes self-help articles and money advice, escapism and relaxation tools to help get you through the festive period.
Whatever you're going through, we can relate. And we're here for you.
Explore the sanctuary
Christmas during a cost of living crisis
Journalist and artist Rosel Jackson Stern speaks to Holly Roberts, a relationship counsellor about the specific challenges that come up when Christmas and a cost-of-living crisis collide.
10 minute guided meditation with Sanchia Legister
We understand that sometimes, the pressures of everyday life can take their toll on your relationships and wellbeing.
Navigating income disparities in relationships
Stuck in that awkward position where you and your friends earn vastly different amounts of money?
Talking about money in your relationship
Money can have a huge impact on our relationships.
Tips for separated parents at Christmas
We all have dates which mean a lot to us – birthdays, holidays, Christmas, Eid etc. Often these dates will have been family-based celebrations.
How to celebrate milestones in long-distance relationships
Remember when we used to think online relationships weren’t real? Or that meeting someone on the internet was cause for concern? Me neither.
How to decide whose family to spend Christmas with
It’s amazing how the simple question of who to spend Christmas with torments so many of us year after year!
Learning to live as a family post-divorce
Lottie Lomas (author of the Secret Divorcee blog) talks about learning to live as a family post divorce - and what that has meant for her relationship with her ex.
How to have fewer family arguments
No matter how much you look forward to the family being together at holiday times and weekends, it does increase the potential for tensions and arguments.
We have different values
Some people worry that having different values or ideas to their partner – on, say, things like religion, politics or moral
Feeling lonely
Loneliness is one of the most common experiences that people go through, and also one of the most difficult.
Managing anxiety during Covid
For a lot of people, being forced out of normal routines and habits can take its toll on our moods, and being proactive to adjust to this may not come naturally when you're worried or stressed.
Drinking too much
Feeling like your partner drinks too much can create a lot of tension and upset in a relationship.
Six tips for a stress-free Christmas
Many people find Christmas a stressful time and this is often to do with expectations.
Sex at Christmas
Let’s face it: Christmas can be a stressful time.
In 2021, our survey found 70% of UK adults were worried Christmas put extra pressure on their relationships.
Common Christmas arguments
Christmas isn’t always an easy time for couples. In fact, 70% of UK adults surveyed said that they expected Christmas to put pressure on their relationships this year.
Celebrating difference: Working with inter-cultural relationships
As a relationship therapist, ‘conflict’ and ‘communication’ are words I often hear.