Gift exchanges, cozy fireplace cuddles, and home-cooked meals–Christmas is usually spent with family and friends. But life happens.
If you don’t have any family or friends this Christmas, you might feel especially lonely.
If you feel down, we want to change your perspective. There’s so much to do during the holidays, and you can have a meaningful Christmas without family or friends.
Being alone at Christmas is okay, and this is how to celebrate Christmas alone.
There’s a cultural expectation to be with family or loved ones during Christmas. And that can add more stress to your life.
In a survey of 2,000 U.S. adults, 61% think they’ll experience feelings of loneliness or sadness, and 67% expect to feel anxious or stressed during the holidays this year.
“The holiday season can lead us to conjure up unreasonable expectations and extra stress if you try to make every aspect of the season picture-perfect,” says Ken Duckworth, the chief medical officer for the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
There’s more pressure to be surrounded by others during the holidays. That pressure can magnify loneliness and make the emotion even harder to bear.
You aren’t the only one feeling lonely this Christmas. Just knowing this can help you feel less alone.
As you can see, the holidays are often wrapped in expectations. Whether it’s the expectation to be with family or a significant other, not meeting those expectations can steal the fun away from Christmas.
It’s your mindset that’s causing you to feel down in the dumps. Instead of thinking of Christmas as this picture-perfect or extravagant thing, think of the holidays as a time to find peace and joy in your own way.
Here are a few ways to shift that mindset and be okay with being alone on Christmas.
Accept the feelings: The holidays can stir up a mix of emotions, and that’s okay. If you don’t take the time to process your feelings, the feelings will only bubble up and intensify. According to psychotherapist Katherine Cullen, people who suppress their feelings are more likely to be anxious and depressed.
Frame the season as a reset: Instead of seeing Christmas alone as a downside, view it as a chance to reflect and recharge. The end of the year is the ideal time to reset your mindset and set intentions for the future.
Practice gratitude: Even when the holidays feel less than ideal, there’s always something to be grateful for. Take a moment to reflect on what’s going right in your life. It could be good health, a cozy home, or just having the day to yourself. A global study of over 10,000 participants found that those with above-average gratitude were 62% less likely to feel lonely.
When you let go of the holiday blues and focus on the positives, you’ll discover all the potential life has to offer. It’s okay to be alone during the holidays, but it’s also okay to be curious about a potential love interest. If you’re wondering what makes someone relationship-ready, check out these mature man qualities to know what to look for.
With no need for gift spending, traveling, and the potential for family conflicts–no family or friends at Christmas might be a blessing in disguise. So, let’s take advantage of being alone on the holidays!
Here’s what to do if you’re alone for the holidays and want to add some festivity to your life.
Do something nice for yourself during the holidays, whether big or small. Something simple like writing a holiday letter to yourself can make the day special.
A comfort meal isn’t just about being hungry; it’s about soothing your emotions and feeling good. Whether it’s a home-cooked meal or takeout from your favorite spot, take time for yourself and enjoy food that makes you happy.
Indulge in a holiday classic or something completely unrelated. Binging a show or movie gives you time to rest after a year of hard work. If you’re looking for Christmas classics, you can’t go wrong with Home Alone 1 and 2, Elf, and How The Grinch Stole Christmas.
The best time to reflect is when you are alone during the holidays. Use the quiet time to think ahead and set goals for the new year. Writing resolutions can help you feel inspired and ready to tackle what’s next.
One of the best ways to feel good and do good this holiday season is to give back to local communities. Spread some holiday cheer by donating to a charity, volunteering, or simply helping someone in need.
If the feelings of loneliness come back, it’s okay to feel those emotions. Process the emotions and treat the day like a self-care oasis. Take a long bath, try a new skincare routine, or lounge in your coziest clothes. Being alone on the holidays means the perfect time to focus on your well-being.
With much-needed rest and newfound energy, the new year can be an excellent time for a first date. Between ice skating, fireworks, and talks about new goals and resolutions–there’s a lot to do and talk about going into the new year.
This makes new year first dates less awkward and more fun. A great first date in January also sets you up for success for the rest of the year. You might even stay coupled up so you aren’t alone on Christmas next year. Thinking of making a move on someone at work? Here’s how to flirt with a coworker without crossing any lines.
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Maria Biz is an expert in the field of dating and relationships with 7 years of experience. Her mission is to help you build successful relationships and find true love.
