Do you know this song?

'Tis the season to be jolly

But how can I be when I have nobody

The Yuletide carol doesn't make it better

Knowing that we won't be together

A silent night

I know it's gonna be

Joy to the world

But it's gonna be sad for me

What do the lonely do

At Christmas

Oh, oh, what do the lonely do

At Christmas time?

Oh, ho, what do they do, what do they do

At Christmas?

(Songwriters: Banks, H; Hampton, C;)

Sounds really sad and mopey, doesn't it? It almost makes me want to say, "Well why are just sitting there brooding? Get up and do something!" But the reality is that even outside of a recession, there are sad and lonely people out there and the Yuletide season of cheers and merriment only intensifies those feelings. Some people are celebrating their first Christmas without someone dear and close to them; others are ill, in hospital, far away from home, or in a group home. Be of good cheer and read on.

1. Alone vs lonely:

These two words are often used interchangeably but they really are different. Many people are part of a couple or have lots of friends and family around them and still feel alone because there is something missing from their lives. On the other hand, there are many people who are alone but not lonely. Decide if you are alone or lonely.

2. No pity parties here:

So if you decide that you are really lonely, think of just one activity which you can do over the next 24 hours that would make you feel better. Write it down; start planning for it.

3. You are responsible for your own happiness:

Take a look at some of your core beliefs. Are you thinking, for example, that "I am not lovable enough", "I don't deserve to be happy", or "I am nothing without a man/woman in my life"? These beliefs could be holding you back. Change them. Seek professional help if you have to.

4. Get involved:

Alone and/or lonely, start channelling some of your love and energy towards others. It's Christmas, so you can create care packages for people less fortunate than you; you can visit a home or hospital and comb someone's hair or read them a story; invite a few acquaintances over and have a little party.

Loneliness feeds on itself. Take the first step, reach out and shake this loneliness thing.

Merry Christmas!

Eulalee Thompson is health editor and a professional counsellor; email: eulalee.thompson@gleanerjm.com.