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How to Enjoy Spending Christmas Alone

Christmas alone
Photo: CC0 Public Domain / Pexels - freestocks.org

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
Baking Christmas cookies can help reduce stress during the holiday season. (Photo: CC0 Public Domain / Pexels - Lina Kivaka)

Spending Christmas alone doesn’t have to be boring. Take the opportunity to do something good for yourself.

3. Have a Video Call With Your Friends or Family

alone at Christmas
Whether you use Zoom, FaceTime, Skype or any other video conferencing tool, it’s a great way to feel less lonely during the holidays. (Photo: CC0 Public Domain / Pixabay - Jagrit Parajuli)

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

alone on Christmas
Try making vegan hot chocolate as an alternative to traditional hot cocoa. (Photo: CC0 Public Domain / Pixabay - ksyfffka07 )

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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