Are you spending Christmas alone this year? Just because you’re alone, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the holiday season. We’ll give you tips on how to make this festive season a wonderful one.
Every year, many Americans choose to spend Christmas alone. The thought of spending this important holiday alone can be scary. However, there are many ways you can still have a great Christmas, even if you’re alone. Read on to find out how.
1. Rethink Expectations for Your Christmas Alone
For most, Christmas is associated with traditions: set routines, a typical Christmas dinner, the church service, the Christmas tree… This is often associated with high expectations.
These expectations and the many traditions can lead to stress. In that sense, Christmas alone can also have a positive side. You can think about what you consider important at Christmas, regardless of the expectations of others.
2. Treat Yourself
Spending Christmas alone doesn’t have to be boring. Take the opportunity to do something good for yourself.
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Cook that recipe you’ve been meaning to try or prepare your favorite meal. Need some inspiration?You can also find plenty of delicious and healthy recipes on Utopia. Here are some of our favorites:
- Vegan Birria tacos
- Steamed Eggplant
- Vegan Schnitzel
- Vegan curry — this is a must try
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Bake the night away. Here’re our favorites for the holiday season:
- Vegan gingerbread cookies
- Traditional German gingerbread cookies
- Vegan Christmas cookies
- Banana cookies — they only take 20min to make
- Date scones
- Vegan Tiramisu, with silken tofu
- Have breakfast in bed and choose from one of these 15 sweet and savory brunch recipes.
- Do some crafts.
- Read that book you haven’t had time for.
- Do an extended yoga session.
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Go for a walk and warm up with homemade hot chocolate or some mulled wine afterward.
- Take a deeper look at the Christmas story to know what Christmas is all about, listen to sermons or attend (online) Mass or Service. The same goes for other religious festivals like Hanukkah.
3. Have a Video Call With Your Friends or Family
Just because you’re physically alone on Christmas doesn’t mean you have to miss out on your loved ones. You can talk on the phone or, better yet, video call your friends and family.
- Send each other gifts in advance and unwrap them in front of the camera. You may even want to try more minimalist and sustainable Christmas gifts this year.
- Cook the same meal together over the video so you can feel like you’re eating dinner together.
- Watch a movie! There are so many apps and extensions for this, like “Watch Party” (Facebook), “NetflixParty” or “Watch2gether” (YouTube).
- Organize a game night. Just like watching a movie, there are plenty of apps and websites that will allow you to play games virtually together.
4. Volunteer So You’re Not Alone at Christmas
There are many reasons why volunteering is good for you. You can
- strengthen your self-esteem
- do things you enjoy and experience
- find a sense of purpose
- connect with your community
- improve mental and physical health
If you celebrate Christmas alone, volunteering may also help you combat loneliness. Do you already volunteer somewhere? See if there’s a need to come up with special Christmas activities.
Otherwise, you can look for volunteer opportunities in your community. Consider volunteer activities like calling senior citizens or doing, for example, Meals on Wheels. If you don’t want to go somewhere, you can also volunteer online from the comfort of your home.
5. Listen to What You Want for Christmas
To get back to tip one: this Christmas is a good opportunity to rethink your expectations and what matters to you on that day. If you’re spending Christmas alone, you may be able to get by without a Christmas tree or rent one instead. Rather than a massive pile of presents, consider small and more personalized packages. And maybe you’re not in the mood for traditional Christmas dinner but would cook a simple (perhaps even vegan) meal? Listen to what you want, and create a Christmas you really enjoy without all the expectations.
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