Solo During The Holidays? You Can Still Have A Blast!

The holidays are a time of year that many people enjoy even though life becomes about rushing through large crowds, spending extra money that we sometimes do not have, preparing for large gatherings, and feeling overwhelmed and stressed on many days. However, for others it is a time of feeling hopeless, depressed, and unsure of what to do when you realize the impending holidays mean you will be alone.

What Can You Do To Bring Some Joy Back In To The Days?

Create a Pamper Yourself Day At Home- with your personal manicure/pedicure, wax your eyebrows, paint your nails. For guys, shave that beard up, trim your mustache, and give yourself that overdue haircut. Do whatever it takes to make you see the best you looking back when you are in front of the mirror. While riding an airplane, we are reminded in the event of an emergency to put our masks on before assisting others. The same applies in other situations. If you are not nurtured and at your best, then you are no good to anyone else.

Build A Connection- COVID has brought on many restrictions for a prolonged period of time, but that doesn’t mean you cannot connect with others. Zooming has become a must for many now, and can be utilized for more than just meetings. Connect with family members, or friends on a Zoom call. Share dinner or dessert while doing so. How about adding in your favorite glass of wine? What about a Paint and Sip session? Find what it is that you love, and bring it in as a special treat during your Zoom calls. You control making it what you want. Now is the time to be creative.

Volunteer Your Time- The simple escape is to hide out and mope in your feelings, but step outside the box and help others that may be in a more challenging situation than yours. Serve food to the homeless with a local organization, volunteer to help clean up around your community, write letters to residents at local nursing homes…Make friendship calls to others that do not have anyone to be with during the holidays as well. Spread some cheer.

Read- You have been telling yourself for too long that you were going to read that book. Now is the time to pick it up and make it happen. Do not feel like picking up a paperback? Use your Kindle, Audiobook or whatever you have. It is up to you to do what provides the most comfort. Perhaps you may discover a new genre you enjoy.

Watch- How about a movie marathon? Do you have a movie that you truly love? What about a tv show? This is the perfect time to binge watch those reruns, or catch up on the ones you have not had time to finish. This can be so much fun, and long overdue.

Exercise- This does not have to be hectic, or involve crazy jumping around that no one wants to do anyway. If it is hard to get motivated, take a short walk. Go to the park. If you feel more energetic, ride a bike, or go on a hike. You decide on the incline, and intensity. Bring along your favorite playlist, a little lunch and make it a day of peace.

Write- Look at the many things in your life that you are thankful for, and write about them. You can do this on the computer, on paper, or perhaps you have a gratitude journal that is just waiting for you to express your feelings. Don’t worry about being the perfect writer, or being a good writer. Just do it. Only you have to know what you have written.

If you are comfortable with doing it on your own, step out and join a group of singles that have activities planned. How about an overnight or weekend stay at a nearby hotel for a change of scenery if you would rather remain alone? Let someone else do the pampering for you.

Being alone for the holidays may feel sad when you think about it, but you can turn it around, and generate positivity. The first move is the willingness to step outside the box. Today, is the time for the creation of a new way to celebrate. It may be different, but make it something that is perfect for you. Time for a new normal.