‘Tis the Season to be Jolly

We don’t want a lot for Christmas

There is just one thing we need

We don’t care about research grants,

Or this year’s tuition fees

We just want you for our own

More than you could ever know

Make our wish come true

All we want for Christmas is you (coronavirus vaccine)

….From Mariah Carey (on behalf of humanity)

*Rejoice* We’re not quite sure how but we have somehow made it to that most joyous of months! Given the almost apocalyptic feel the world had back in March, we reckon that’s a good excuse to give ourselves a very deserving pat on the back.

Father Christmas will soon be making his way down chimneys, armed with hand sanitiser and face mask. We’ll be keeping our fingers crossed that he can deliver us all an effective and safe vaccine this year! We hope that you’ve been getting into the festive mood while dealing with the stress and hecticness that is often associated with this time of year.

Whether you’re staying on campus or making travel arrangements and plans to spend Christmas with your loved ones, be sure to give yourself a break if you’ve been frantically gift-buying (and even if you haven’t because hey, 2020 is almost over) and take some time for yourself too.

What’s Happened

Hive Roundup:

10 fun activities for lockdown 2.0 – Olivia Mak

Olivia gave us suggestions on how to keep ourselves entertained as we went through another national lockdown.

Autumn nature walks in Manchester to beat the lockdown blues – Leoma Williams

Leoma provided us with a lowdown on the best places to see the glorious autumnal colours of Manchester in this period of outdoor socialising only. 

Sound of silence: the benefits of doing nothing – Jack Sharpen

Jack reminded us of the increasing importance of being still and doing nothing in this age of information overload. 

The Manchester 24 Hour Run Against Homelessness 2020 (Lockdown Edition) – Jason Chu

Our esteemed editor highlights the amazing event that Run Wild have founded to help tackle an issue close to every Manc’s heart. Over £4000 have been raised so far, and it’s not too late to support this amazing cause. 

Rounding off Manchester

DAGS Games Night: The doctoral academy society team stepped up again (on 26th November) with a fun-filled games night. This included all the classics in pictionary and articulate, as well as more modern trend setters with Cards Against Humanity and Among Us. Perhaps a truth or drink is next on the cards (pun intended)? For more DAGS events, see their facebook page here

30 Day UoM Sport Challenge – This fun fitness fad challenged students and stuuf to participate in 15 exercise sessions from 9th November for a chance of a prize. Whilst this may be a Herculean task to accomplish in the next 3 days, there are still a range of activities to delve into.

What’s next

In the Hive Pipeline

Winter warmers – Tired of spending your precious money on countless hot drinks from coffee chains? In these cold months, we all need something to warm us up from the inside. Olivia gives some recipes that really are a hug in a mug.

Give-ing back and the pluses of pedagogy – If you’re thinking about a new year’s resolution, Jack describes reaching his 2020 resolution of becoming a tutor, teacher and general pedagogue, and how it gives a sense of enormous well-being.

In Faculty: 

Check out staffnet’s christmas calender of many brilliant wellbeing activities that can you can join. Here’s a quick list of some activities:

Mindfulness for the Festive Season (10 am on 14th December) – Is the festive season getting you all frazzled? Join Claire for a mindfulness session to restore your inner Zen.

Work life balance – the advent advantage (1pm on 14th December) – Determined to restore your work-life balance? Why wait to make it a new year’s resolution. Join Anna and give yourself a head start before 2021 rocks up.

Calm before Christmas: Writing for Wellbeing (11am on 15th December) – After the year we’ve all had, we could do with something to soothe our frayed nervous systems. Join Laura as she takes you through a relaxing writing session (bring pen and paper!).

In the UOM: 

Sporticipate Advent: If like one of the sub-editors you’ve piled on a couple of stress lockdown pounds, Sporticipate has pulled it out of the bag with a vault of fun activities to try or take take part in. Just in time before the Christmas kilos too, and check them out here.

Society Restarts: Although Tier 3 is in full swing, mant societies are beginning to organise events before the Christmas rush. Check out the facebook pages for updates, such as Touch Rugby putting together some much needed run outs!

In the World Winter Trads

Coinciding with Human Rights Day (10th December), in this edition we give a taste of the many seasonal traditions that are celebrated across different countries and cultures.

Scandinavia & Italy: Sankta Lucia – Staffan var en stalledräng! Saint Lucy’s day (13th) is celebrated in by electing a “Lucia”. Lucia leads a white gown-wearing procession through choral hyms all whilst balancing a crown of candles. Don’t forget the saffron-stuffed Lussekatt, and check out Sweden’s 40 feet-tall Christmas goat, Gävle bocken!

Iran & Central Asia: Yalda – One of many seasonal solstice celebrations, Yalda has been an integral part since the times of the ancient Persian Empire. Gather to drink Sharbat, eat summer fruits (bring on the pomegranates) and recite Hafez over the longest night in the calender year.

Mexico: Night of the Radishes – Upon its conception in 1897 in Oaxaca, competitive radish carving has dominated Mexican headlines and their nativity preparation on December 23rd.

Japan: KFC Christmas – That’s right, a Christmas family bucket has remained a staple in Japanese households for the past 45 years

The Netherlands: Sinterklaasgedicht – If you feel like going Dutch, why not speak aloud a deprecating poem about a loved one when opening their present? Apparently it’s very cathartic, so let’s all sing: Sint heeft uren zitten denken, Wat hij Hive toch zou schenken…

Final words

This time last year, many of us (sub-eds included) had grand plans for a new decade, new me vibes. We all know the outcome but as the eternal wellbeing optimists, we look forward to a holiday season of family-filled festive fun. If you’re concerned about the sword of Damocles that shall not be named, the university is running free tests before travelling for all students,which can be booked here.

If PGR struggles are becoming like a fence that needs to be toppled down, check out the bundle of support options available at PGR life, as well as the services from our previous final word. As a wise sage once said: “I will not say do not weep, for not all tears are evil”, whas has served some members of the Hive team well (especially over one too many single malts).

So join us and raise a hot chocolate or mulled wine to strapping on your snow boots (well, more like wellies), unwrapping your gifts and spending some quality time to end what has been a roaring start to the 20’s. When thinking about how wishing 2020 away, we are reminded to think of magical words from another wizard:

“So do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.”

Seasons Greetings and Happy New Year to you all!

Written by your friendly Wellbeing Sub-editors

If you would like to contribute wellbeing news, tips and tricks for next month’s bulletin, don’t hesitate to contact us! (jack.sharpen@postgrad.manchester.ac.uk and olivia.mak@postgrad.manchester.ac.uk)