Welcome to the third of three Christmas specials. Today in the hot seat is the Rev David Pickersgill from St Mary and Magdalene church.
A link to the podcast can be found below.
Welcome to the third of three Christmas specials. Today in the hot seat is the Rev David Pickersgill from St Mary and Magdalene church.
During this podcast we look at the affects Christmas can have on mental health, yes it has a heavy religious slant, but it is about Christmas.
I consider my beliefs spiritual, I don’t really believe in god or Jesus, yet still David and I were able to sit and have an adult to adult conversation whilst respecting each other’s views. I was beginning to think that we, as humans had lost the ability to respect and hear each other’s differences, a massive thank you to David for his time.
Our conversation began by talking about the divide I see in people at this time of year, people either get very happy, or they get very sad. It is without doubt the one time of year I notice this very big divide. This increase in happiness can of course be really hard to see for those who struggle at Christmas. I have clients that hate it with a passion, I have clients who won’t go into, or avoid shops at all costs, because of the constant playing of Christmas songs. There really is nothing much we can do about this divide only be aware of it, be aware, be mindful that not all people are having such a great time.
David talked about one of his favourite points during the Christmas season, this is midnight mass. I remember when I was younger that my family would always go. I’m not sure what it was about this particular service, what I do know is that it pulls people in. David went on to talk about the birth of his daughters, in a beautiful and descriptive way. The wonder of birth, how amazing it wonderous it is, it seems it never cesses to amaze us.
We talked of course about the commercial side of Christmas and the cultural expectations that we have invented. I see a shift in people, I see a shift towards simplifying Christmas. Sometimes this is done for financial reasons, sometimes because there is a want to return to simpler times. I wonder what it might feel like to reduce gifts and excess and increase human connection…? How much “stuff” do we need?
We also talked, as we have on previous podcasts, about families. There can be an expectation, especially around Christmas, that visiting will happen. You may not like your family; you may have lost a family member. Loss at Christmas like many things is exasperated, we miss them, we want them. For me, we have to sit with the pain of loss, not to sink into it, but do engage with it and acknowledge it. If you need to, mark their loss in some way, talk to them if you feel this might help you feel just a little better, it’s not easy, Christmas day will pass very quickly.
As for families, remember your extended family, remember you get to choose a whole new family if that is what you want.
I asked David what a person might expect if they were to arrive at church?
David described this as a very welcoming and inclusive place to be. He describes this as a comfortable and none judgemental place to be. you don’t have to be a believer; it can be a place where you find a community that will welcome you.
Please don’t be alone this Christmas, there is an environment there that will welcome you without judgement.
I asked David what his favourite part of Christmas was, listen in to hear his answer, its really quiet a sweet story. I also talk about my memories at Christmas.
Christmas is next week, I really want to take this opportunity to wish you the very best Christmas, I wish for you that you find the courage to have Christmas the way you want it.
We are always looking for guests for our podcasts. Those who feel they have something to say or something they would like to share, please give me a shout if you would like to find out what this involves.
Please share this podcast if you think it might help someone you know.
Till next time.
Be kind to yourself and those around you.
Love and peace
Kev x
