"If you look for it, I've got a sneaky feeling you'll find that love actually is all around."

Christmas movies have sparked lively conversations over the past week at Bridge the Gap, with 'Love Actually' emerging as a clear favourite among the staff. The film's central theme of connection resonates with us all, as it beautifully navigates a spectrum of emotions—empathy, love, grief, and anger.

Christmas brings with it a whole host of emotions for not only us, but for our young people too. For some, the highlight of the year, and for others this holiday period can bring discomfort and comparison. For us at Bridge the Gap, we are firm believers in Christmas being about how it feels for you, stripping it back to connecting with your loved ones in a way that works for you and your needs.

It is truly magical when a film can spark emotions within us, drawing us into the characters lives and stepping into their shoes. I’m sure we all share in the same experience of anger with Emma Thompson’s character in ‘Love Actually’. When we think of Christmas and the emotions this season provokes, I wonder how many of us would identify anger - yet like every other day this emotion can be so present for us on Christmas. The quieter emotions beneath our Christmas anger may be, stress of the busy day, the planning and organisation, disappointment, sadness, loss or hurt.

Emma Thompson’s character demonstrates how anger and hurt are there for a purpose. The emotions she feels drive her actions moving forwards as she navigates her own pain whilst allowing her children to experience their nativity without the loudness of her feelings. This scene is powerful because we can all relate to it. We have all had moments where we have felt that suffering, so can empathise and connect with her character as a result. Emotions unite us. Her character is a reminder we often forget our own strength, our resilience, and our worth - we can navigate through the discomfort.

Each storyline carries it’s own unique understanding of love, whether it be romantic, platonic, family or self love. At the core of this love, is the raw and vulnerable experience of being human. An honest reminder of Christmas, and the connections within it looking and feeling different for every single one of us. For some of us, it is the permission to advocate self love this Christmas, to take a step back, to reaffirm our boundaries and do what makes us feel good. Not be lost in the whirlwind, focusing on the smaller moments, those gentle moments like in ‘Love Actually’ capturing father and son candid conversations of falling in love. Beauty and joy can be found in those quieter moments, for me its in watching my Mum decorate the Christmas tree to Nat King Cole Christmas, that moment I can find more peace in than the gift giving pressures.

So, here is your reminder from me to reconnect with what Christmas is about for you. Love. Whether that be shared or felt within yourself. Here is your permission to authentically feel the emotions the Christmas period brings, be mindful in their presence and their passing. Remove the pressure and guilt, enjoy your smaller moments.

That leads me to the iconic quote we all know from this festive masterpiece - "If you look for it, I've got a sneaky feeling you'll find that love actually is all around.". We hope, as a service that we can create a shared feeling of love and connection in our city, a hopeful, listening ear and safe space for our young people and their families. A beacon of connection, to remind our young people that love is all around them, they matter, they are loved and they are not alone.