We have had a solitary rat and mice here too, so I totally get the fear. I used to be the same with spiders. I think it is the sudden movement and unexpected presence. I could hear mice at our last house, but the pest control chap said that is it absolutely impossible to hear field mice as they are so tiny. My family convinced me that they were 3am phantom mice, as no one else could hear them. They made a lovely nest in the loft in a computer box and had shredded some spare toilet rolIs, as if they were corn on the cob. I think once you can see a resolution and the process of getting rid of them, it it is slightly less scary.
We had quite a sad and difficult Christmas as my Dad has advanced dementia and COPD. He spent five weeks in hospital between Sept and Nov, which was pretty harrowing. Mum is fine mentally but quite physically disabled.
We did have a lovely build up to Christmas, with crafts, quiet walks, baking and a trip on a steam train, all of which were lovely and manageable. I am feeling better now the light is returning and the chaos of Christmas is over.
Happy New Year to you all!