Christmas can be very stressful - so Samaritans is urging people to keep their expectations in check

A suicide prevention charity is urging us all to stop striving for a perfect Christmas - and have what it’s calling a #RealChristmas instead, because that could save lives.

As the UK gears up for the festive season, Samaritans is highlighting the reality that thousands of us will find it hard to have a happy Christmas.

Health, family, work, relationships and money issues, or feelings of loneliness, isolation or uncertainty could be making life really tough.

2016 has been a year of challenge and change for everyone, and Samaritans says that’s something we need to get real about too.

By giving the gift of listening and taking time to understand what’s really going on in our own and others’ lives, more people will open up this Christmas and ask for the support they need.

Difficult feelings don’t discriminate. They don’t care if it’s December or June

Samaritans chief executive Ruth Sutherland said: “Difficult feelings don’t discriminate. They don’t care if it’s December or June. We know that one in five adults has felt suicidal – it’s not that uncommon and can happen to absolutely anyone.

“On average, more than 500 people take their own lives in the UK every month and every death from suicide is a devastating tragedy.

"So, away from the idyllic images and all the hype around the season’s celebrations, let’s get real about how we can save lives, not just at Christmas but all year round. And that’s by listening to how a person who may be having a tough time really thinks and feels.”

To help people listen, Samaritans has produced a set of vouchers that can be given as Christmas presents on their own, or along with staples like chocolates, bubble bath, cufflinks or socks.

Each voucher can be personalised and entitles the person receiving it to some one-to-one listening time from the giver. It could be over a coffee, while going for a walk or as part of a night in with a friend watching a box set.

The vouchers areavailable to download for free along with a free guide to having a #RealChristmas. It gives tips on how to be a good listener, what to do when someone doesn’t want to talk, and how to look after yourself as well as supporting others this Christmas.

Samaritans is also encouraging donations of £4.26, another way to give the gift of listening as that’s the cost to the charity of taking a life-saving call.