Christmas Comfort, Camaraderie & a Cup of Questionable Tea

Lynne Jobes
5 days ago
3 min read

Because Christmas isn’t about perfection — it’s about people who show up when life goes sideways.

I can’t quite believe how quickly this year has passed.

For some, Christmas has already begun. Advent calendars open, fairy lights sparkling, festive cheer everywhere you look.

For others, this time of year carries a weight. The absence of loved ones. Distance between families. Memories that warm the heart and break it at the same time.

For me, Christmas is always a moment of reflection.

Growing up, we put our Christmas tree up on Mum’s birthday — the 13th of December. Some of you know we lost Mum last year, just before her birthday. Everything happened so fast that I still don’t know how we made it to Christmas Day.

But we did — and we got through it because of you.

Kind words, food parcels, messages of love, and neighbours who stepped in without hesitation and helped us deliver the entire Christmas programme at Beirhope.

And that is what Christmas is truly about. 

Time together.

Family.

Friends.

Community.

Thoughtfulness - often shown in the smallest, silliest ways.

My lovely neighbour Nicky was such a star that it’s easy to forgive her for offering me camomile tea at 4:30pm on a Friday… and more recently serving me the most disgusting festive snack ever invented: Gingerbread Doritos.

True friendship is being there for each other - and overlooking questionable snack choices.

I remember the joy you brought to such a sad time in my life. Losing Mum was a shock; losing her right before her birthday and Christmas was devastating. I had nothing left in the tank. I even stole the decorated Christmas tree from Santa after he flew off on Christmas Eve and popped it straight into my house. But it meant something - it carried a little piece of all of you, all your love and support.

A New Tradition: The Beirhope Memory Tree

This year, we’re introducing something special.

A Memory Tree in the barn.

While you’re visiting, you’ll be able to write a message to someone you miss — someone no longer with us, or someone you’re apart from this Christmas. Take a quiet moment, stay as long as you need.

Each card is £1.

You’ll nominate a charity, and after Christmas we’ll draw one at random and donate all the proceeds.

The cards themselves are our gift — because we understand how much this matters.

And if you’re not booked in for a visit but want to place a message on the tree, just get in touch. We’ll make a time for you. We’ll give you space.

The hills offer a peace like nowhere else.

Christmas at Beirhope 2025

Last Christmas I cried, I laughed, and I was overwhelmingly grateful — for my family, my friends, and yes, even for that ridiculous cup of camomile tea.

This year, we’re doing Christmas exactly as only Beirhope can — cosy, creative, memory-making, and full of heart.