IT feels like Christmas trees and decorations have gone up earlier this year, which maybe speaks volumes of a desire to create a bit of Christmas magic and cheer.

Last Christmas was a challenging time, lives were lost, travel and other restrictions separated loved ones, social connections and festive gatherings were sadly absent.

The world has opened up significantly, but certainly is not back to normal, with the spectre of Covid continuing to lurk. My own hopes and beliefs last Christmas were that this year the pandemic would be a horrific memory, not an ongoing issue.

The experiences of the pandemic have created new behaviours in us due to having to rethink our habits and decision making.

Plans were made and quashed at the eleventh-hour last year. This year plans have been made in the countdown to Christmas, but with a healthy splash of caution and wariness.

Restaurants have observed an unprecedented wave of cancellations. For many people there is an acceptance and understanding that nothing is set in stone, nor can be taken for granted.

There is renewed appreciation for the simple things in life, the joy of freedom to make choices about where we go and who we see.

2021 may not have been as shocking as 2020, but the threat of Covid has continued. People are tired, worn down and battle weary and need a break in the literal sense of the word.

There can be comfort in familiar Christmas traditions, I recently made a Christmas dinner for a friend, a festive feast to infuse some Yuletide cheer.

I continue to have faith and belief in Christmas being a time of hope. Historically Christmas has not been viewed as a restful time, but a break is a change from the norm.

Our emotional resilience has been stretched to its max, but if anything can restore and recharge us to be 2022 ready it is my belief that Christmas can support this to happen.

Have a joyful Christmas, whatever your plans.

* A regular health and lifestyle column from Corinne Yeadon, of the Being Better private therapy practice in Skipton. Contact the Being Better private therapy practice at beingbetter.org.uk