Hey Woofas,

For some of us Christmas time isn’t always fun.

Especially now given the recent terrorist attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney on 14th December this year – it’s absolutely devastating.

As a Nation Australia is heartbroken by what happened on our shores.

It’s incomprehensible!  This doesn’t happen here!

We hear loud bangs we always automatically think – Fireworks.

Sadly this is no longer the case.

Many families have lost loved ones.  Many people have experienced horrific scenes.

15 innocent people lost their lives and many many more will forever be scarred.

Australia is scarred.

The Australian Jewish community no longer feel safe on our shores, and that’s devastating.

2025 Australian hearts are broken.

What is heartwarming to see –  is people coming together.

People standing as one!

No matter what religion,  colour or culture – we are one – we are many and we are standing together.

Among the horrific scenes there were true blue acts of heroism.

That’s what is bringing us hope.

We will not let this destroy us.  It will unite us and make us stronger.

These innocent victims will not lose their lives in vain – only good will come from this.

OTHER REASONS WHY CHRISTMAS ISN’T ALWAYS FUN FOR EVERYONE!

1. There’s no family to spend it with or the family you do have don’t want to spend it with you!
2. Or a family member you cherish is no longer with you to share such a time with : (
3. A beloved pet has passed.
4. Even if you have loads of family members to spend time with, that in itself can be stressful!!
5. People say things or passing comments that sit with you for ages…….
6. Others can bring up stuff from the past that just doesn’t need rehashing at all let alone this time of year.
7. Some family members wont turn up because another family member is there!
8. Other family members pick on the way things are set up, food, decorations……things can be picked on, loose lips.
9. Add wine and alcohol to the mix and it seems to be a free for all, no holding back on the comments.
10. For others it can be a really lonely time of year with no family members to spend it with, no friends, just yourself.
11. Spending unnecessary amounts of money comes into it as well, on presents, setting up for the day, making sure everything looks right………..
12. Or it’s well and truly thrown in your face how much money you don’t have to spend on your kids, food on anything : (
13. Others may be going away on lavish holidays while you’re here either back at work or just can’t afford a holiday at all.
14. Unwanted dogs/pets get dumped!
15. Some have lost their beloved furry companions and it makes this time even harder to deal with.

For some this time of year can be rather shit……………no matter what the reason!!

WHO TO CALL?

If you’re feeling crap here are a few numbers you can call –

Lifeline – 131114

Beyond Blue – 1300 224636

Mental Health Counselling – 1300 659467

R U OK website – https://www.ruok.org.au/findhelp

WHAT CAN I DO TO MAKE MYSELF FEEL BETTER?

Sometimes it’s easier said than done, but try to stop focusing so much on what’s causing you to feel this way.

Try to find something you do enjoy doing and do that.

It could be watching your favourite movies/shows, reading books, magazines, doing puzzles, doing craft, gardening, going for a walk.

Play your favourite music really loud and dance around like no one is watching.

Sometimes going and helping others, really helps you as well – volunteer somewhere local to you.

There’s plenty of animal shelters that could do with an extra pair of hands.

Volunteer at the hospital, soup kitchens, ask at your local church or council for places that need volunteers.

Try focusing on what you do have – write down what you are grateful for!

If you have your trusted furry companion, spend time with them.

Dogs give you unconditional love NO MATTER WHAT!

Revel in your dog’s unconditional love.

Go for a walk with your dog, spend the day or this holiday time just loving on your dog.

Only you know you!

Only you know what is going to make you feel better, even if it’s for a few minutes or a day etc

Do what makes YOU HAPPY!!

Know you are not alone, there are others out there feeling the same.

Reach out and make a call to someone you trust or an organisation that may be able to help you.

Your dog loves you………………

AND it’s okay to cry, crying releases the sadness and pain.  Just try not to get stuck there.

Emotions are energy in motion and they are there to feel and to let them move through.

WHAT DOES ALL THIS MEAN?

Christmas Time, Holiday season whatever you want to call it, can be really tough for some people!

It’s not always fun, love and rainbows for everyone.

If you’re feeling down there are organisations that can help.

Just know that your dog loves you unconditionally!

IN THE COMMENTS BELOW – BILLY WOULD LIKE TO KNOW – HOW YOU’RE FEELING THIS CHRISTMAS?