For most, 2020 has been a tough year and with Christmas fast approaching, many are wondering how to cope when you are alone on Christmas. It is not an easy thing nor is it something anyone would want (except for personal reasons). I can not remember the last time I spent Christmas alone (although birthdays I have done many times), every year I travel home to my parents and this year they are coming to mine. This year has been one roller coaster of a ride and a lot of things has been uncertain.
When I was young, I worked in a care home and there were many residents who used to tell me stories about how to cope when you are alone on Christmas. Many had lost their family members many years prior and now find comfort in small things like reminiscing about there beloved or looking through the family albums. One had a tendency of getting carried away and she would out of the blue speak about *choosing memorial headstones.
*This is a collaborative post*
How to Cope When You Are Alone on Christmas
When was the last time you spent Christmas without your friends or family? I am fortunate to have always spent Christmas with either my parents or close friends and often we go to church so I spend more time with close friends from church as well. This year however for some, spending Christmas with loved ones might not be possible and they will think about how to cope when you are alone on Christmas and some of the things they can do.
When I talk about being alone on Christmas, I mean more in a physical sense but with current technological advances, you are never really alone. There are so many ways you can be present without actually being in the room with the person or persons and still feel connected and not as though you are alone physically. Some of the tips I recommend in this post are those that I have used when I have had to spend time alone on other special occasions.
Enjoy the Solitude
It might seem counterproductive but being alone on Christmas is not always a bad thing. Everyone will be busy running around trying to sort this or that and will wish they had a few moments to themselves, you have so used it wisely. Splurge on something you love or have always wanted, enjoy a spa day or even binge-watch your favourite shows. No one said you solitude had to be quite, enjoy it the best way you know-how and make it the best time yet.
Do some Work
Again, this might not seem like something someone wants to do on Christmas but its during the Christmas period when they entire company disappears and you have a moment to yourself and can work without interruptions. The amount of work you do is up-to-you. You can get ahead with your January project, finalise your current work or even do something that you had always wanted to do within your work life – why don’t you learn something new?
Plan an online Party
I know its not the same but trust me its better than nothing and I think a lot of people can agree that this year has been the year of online parties. Schedule something with you family and friends and enjoy the time together online. You can catch-up with that friend you lost touch with or someone you’ve been wanting to spend more time with, the online oyster its your limit.
Play Games Online
I recently bought the Nintendo Switch Lite and I am absolutely loving this gadget. Living alone I am used to spending time alone (a lot) I actually thrive in this kind of environment but their times of bored where I wanna do something without leaving my home. Playing games online has never been my thing but this year, it has become my thing and I am spending most evenings playing games with friends online especially those with chat features.
Volunteer your Time
If you are alone this year but don’t want to actually spend Christmas alone, you can always volunteer at local shelters and help out. There are so many charitable organisations always looking for volunteers to help out especially during this time when they receive an influx of people needing help but don’t have enough resources or manpower – you can add to their resource and help out. You might not know whose life has been changed/touched by you volunteering your time.
Go for a Walk
Every Christmas after a big meal, I always collapse into a coma state because Christmas is for overeating. But in recent years, I have found going for walk after a meal or when I am feeling down is always refreshing. There is something about that fresh air hitting your lungs that truly makes one feel alive. If you are alone and fancy of change of scenery then I recommend finding the closets woods to your place and going for an extended walk.
How are you spending Christmas this year? Are you spending it alone or with friends and family?
amayszingblogs says
I’m not a Holiday person but Play Games Online would good for me to spending time this coming holidays
Ghanashyam K says
Hosting an online party is a great idea, I just hope my friends show up π
Catalina says
I am lucky to have my family around for Christmas. But I know that it can be so sad for the alone people!
Mama Maggie's Kitchen says
Ohh being alone on Christmas is the last thing I want to happen! But this blog is surely a huge help for those who are spending Christmas alone. Thanks for sharing this.
Kate | Life of a Ginger says
These are great tips. I would probably enjoy a holiday alone for a change… but for those who have been alone during COVID I’m sure it would be really hard. Thankfully we now have zoom and facetime to at least virtually be with friends.
Lynndee says
Great advice but I think volunteering your time would be the best thing to do when you are alone on Christmas. It always feels good to help.
Kathy says
These are some really good ideas. I think this will help out others for the holidays for sure. I know how tough it can be to not be around others during the holidays.
Jenn @ EngineerMommy says
An online party is a great idea. Thanks for all these suggestions.
Gervin Khan says
Yes, I agree with you that being alone this Christmas is not really a bad thing all the time but it also giving you a chance to meditate and think all the things that you are grateful for. Thanks for sharing!
sara lafountain says
These are excellent tips. Covid is making it even harder to get together with people. I hope you can find a very rewarding and special holiday this year!
Sandy N Vyjay says
It would be awful for one to be alone at Christmas, but of course it is not the end of the world. There is so much one can do, as you have rightly listed out. Whatever you do, being positive and optimistic is important.
Sarah Bailey says
These sound like some good ideas, I have to admit I like the idea of volunteering that would be a great idea to consider.
Nikki Wayne says
So glad,I haven’t experienced that scenario. At least now if ever, I’ll know how to cope with it. Thanks
Nikki Wayne says
Oh I haven’t experienced being alone in Christmas day. I imagined it,seems so so sad.
Beth says
Although some of my adult kids won’t be home for the holidays, I won’t be alone. We will miss them, but are glad that they are staying safe. These are great tips to help make the day better. I hope to set up a zoom call with them on Christmas.
Miranda says
I shall be setting up a lot of zoom calls for my family and I agree in these times we also want to ensure we are safe
Struggle Shuttle says
Love the idea to volunteer. You would meet and help so many people that you wouldn’t feel alone. I want to make that one of our families Christmas traditions as well.
Miranda says
Exactly, you never know who you might meet and whose life your presence might change
Tasheena says
I really enjoyed reading this post. These are all really helpful tips.
Heather says
I definitely think that these are great ways to get through the holidays when you are alone!
Pam Wattenbarger says
I’m not alone this holiday but I have several friends who will be. Some have said that it is good they enjoy their own company. π
Miranda says
I am the same, I enjoy my own company but I think when you can its always nice to spend with loved ones
Tomi C says
These are some great tips. As an avid volunteer, I love the tip to volunteer your time especially in these unprecedented times.
Miranda says
I hear you, in these unprecedented times, its even more important that we volunteer our time or money
Amber Myers says
It can be tough. I am not alone alone, but my husband is deployed, and that’s tough. Still, I try to make things fun for the kids!
Miranda says
Itβs good that you have the kids to make things fun for but I am sure its still tough for you as well.
beauty and fashion tech says
Planning online parties and getting lots of exercise have been big my my small family this year.
Miranda says
We too have been doing a lot of online parties this year too, might make it into our tradition