Short Days, Long Nights and Lonely People
We are officially in winter in the northern hemisphere and, as I write this, the shortest day of the year is almost upon us.
Winter brings its own familiar medical challenges. There was a time when this would inevitably include injuries from slipping on ice, though that seems to trouble us less than it once did. Today, seasonal health concerns are more likely to revolve around respiratory viruses, excess merriment, cold exposure, which does not require freezing temperatures to be dangerous, and, less visibly but no less importantly, loneliness.
Merriment itself carries risks. Lying in the rain on a cold, deserted street has never been good for one’s health, despite what certain urban legends might suggest, and is best avoided.
There are smaller hazards too: be cautious when unpacking last year’s artificial tree, and perhaps avoid breathing deeply beside a freshly cut natural one.
More troubling, however, is the effect of the season on mental health. For those who are lonely, watching others gather to celebrate warmth, companionship and joy can sharpen feelings of isolation rather than soften them.
Christmas is traditionally a time for reflection and gratitude - for warmth, shelter, and the presence of others - whether one expresses that gratitude through prayer or quiet thought. But it is also a reminder to hold in mind those who are cold, alone, elderly, or homeless. While generosity often peaks at this time of year, care itself should never be seasonal.
Perhaps we should keep the Christmas lights on all year.
Tinsel Tendinitis: Surge in Minor Upper-Limb Injuries from Decorating
There has been a predictable yearly rise in small sprains, tendon irritations and ladder-related bumps due to festive decorating and imbibation.
Occupational therapists have jokingly dubbed it “tinsel tendinitis.”
December is a particularly risky month for minor (and some more major) injuries, so be careful on those ladders - particularly after a couple of sherries.
The Return of Christmas Tree Syndrome
Hospitals continue to see seasonal spikes in allergic rhinitis and asthma flares triggered by mould spores found on stored artificial trees or by terpene-rich sap from freshly-cut natural ones.
If you experience these allergies, it might be advisable to consider showering artificial trees before putting them up and let real trees air out outside for a day or two.
Viral Round-Up: RSV and Influenza Rising Earlier Than Expected
Respiratory viruses are climbing just in time for Christmas, a time of festivities and family gatherings. RSV is already causing pressure on paediatric and elderly services and flu cases are rising but vaccine uptake is lagging behind targets.
Of particular concern is that flu cases appear to be more severe, and there has been an increase in the numbers of people admitted to hospital for treatment of their influenza and its complications.
Government advice is that people who have symptoms suggestive of a flu infection should wear face masks in public. Ordinary surgical masks are sufficient in most cases to help reduce spread by an infected person. They are much less effective as protection against infection.
Without masks, coughs and sneezes should be caught in the crook of the elbow or in clothing (such as a scarf) - not in a bare hand. This, of course, is one of the reasons that you should not shake hands.
It’s still not too late to have a flu jab; it’s a lot better than spending Christmas in hospital.
Seasonal Affective Disorder Peaks — but Christmas Lights Help
SAD-related presentations peak in December, but several small UK studies suggest festive lighting and outdoor Christmas markets actually improve mood.
Perhaps a reminder that small environmental changes meaningfully support mental health.
Cold-Weather Cardiology: “Shoveller’s Heart” Back Again
Cold weather places additional stress upon the heart and lungs. Cold peripheries can increase pressure upon the heart as the body tries to conserve heat, and breathing cold air can induce lung reactions which can affect breathing.
This, in turn, can also place additional pressure upon the heart.
With early cold snaps, cardiology departments often see increased numbers of cases of exertion-triggered angina and occasional arrhythmias following sudden, unaccustomed activity such as clearing snow - shoveller’s heart.
At this time of year, people with established heart or lung conditions should pace themselves carefully rather than just jumping in to clear their drive.
Alcohol-Related Attendances Spike Post-Christmas Parties
Early-December data suggest a slightly higher volume of alcohol-related admissions—mostly mild injuries, intoxication, and late-night hypothermia compared to previous years.
There has also been a rise in patients wearing full Father Christmas costumes arriving at A&E departments.
The Health Benefits of Kindness
Kindness isn’t just a virtue — a report published by the Mental Health Foundation has shown it to have measurable benefits for mental well-being. Acts of kindness foster a sense of belonging, reduce stress, strengthen social connectedness, and support emotional resilience.
Everyday kindness and friendliness, like helping a neighbour or simply smiling and acknowledging a stranger when out for a walk, are linked with better mood and improved satisfaction with life - for both parties.
Especially during winter and around the holidays, when people can be at their most vulnerable, small acts of kindness can be public health actions in their own right — inexpensive, widely accessible, and emotionally powerful.
Homelessness at Christmas: Cold Nights, Warm Hearts
For many, Christmas brings warmth, festivities and the comfort of home. For others, the winter season only highlights the harsh reality of having nowhere safe to sleep. Homelessness continues to grow in the UK, and the festive period can be one of the most dangerous times of the year for those without secure housing.
Estimates suggest that over 300,000 people in England alone will be homeless at Christmas, including rough sleepers and those in temporary accommodation — where a roof may be present, but stability and safety often are not. Temporary housing can be overcrowded, insecure, or unsuitable, particularly for families and young people.
People sleeping rough face direct threats from cold exposure, abuse and violence. Freezing temperatures, wet winter weather and long nights increase the risk of hypothermia, frostbite and severe respiratory infections. Without reliable shelter, regular meals or warm clothing, the body’s ability to stay safe in the cold is significantly compromised.
The festive season also brings heightened emotional stress. Winter nights are longer and darker, intensifying loneliness and isolation for those without home, family or community support. This can worsen pre-existing mental health conditions, create additional psychological burdens, and make daily survival feel even more overwhelming.
Rising homelessness statistics reflect deeper structural issues: a long-standing shortage of affordable housing, rising rents, the cost-of-living crisis, and complex interactions with welfare and immigration systems. Recent reports show sharp increases in the numbers entering temporary accommodation and in rough-sleeping counts across major cities, illustrating that the problem is not only persistent but worsening for many.
In response, charities and community groups step up pivotal winter and Christmas-time services. For more than 50 years, Crisis at Christmas has provided food, warmth, companionship and access to services such as healthcare, showers and housing advice to people experiencing homelessness in several UK cities.
Emergency protocols like the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) are also triggered by councils and outreach teams when temperatures drop, offering additional shelter spaces during periods of severe cold. However, these responses are not guaranteed everywhere and do not replace long-term housing solutions.
What this means for all of us is a reminder that homelessness is not an abstract winter issue — it’s a year-round challenge with acute risks in cold weather. Small acts of awareness, small acts of kindness, compassion and advocacy can make a real difference during this time of year.
If you’d like to help
For readers who wish to translate concern into action, there are several well-established organisations working year-round, with increased activity over the winter months:
Support people experiencing homelessness
Crisis – housing advice, winter shelters, and the long-running Crisis at Christmas programme.
Shelter – legal advice, housing advocacy, and homelessness prevention.
Mungo’s – outreach, emergency accommodation and health support.
The Salvation Army – accommodation, food parcels, hot meals.
If you’re worried about someone sleeping rough
StreetLink – alert local outreach teams if you see someone sleeping rough in England or Wales
Telephone: 0300 500 0914
Cold weather emergency support
SWEP (Severe Weather Emergency Protocol) – information via local councils
Local kindness
Many local shelters, food banks and churches welcome donations, volunteers, or warm clothing. These are often listed on council or NHS Trust websites.
A brief conversation, a hot drink, or signposting someone to help can matter more than we realise.
