Home Alone for Christmas!
It’s Christmas! The holiday season is a festive time of year that brings out the best in most people. In general, people are more generous, understanding, kind-hearted, and giving. This year is especially joyful as now we can mingle, connect, and chill out with people we haven’t seen for a while. We’ve missed getting together with friends and family to celebrate, feast on good food, catch up on some news, and toast to the future. But, there are times when we might find ourselves alone for Christmas either by choice or circumstance. That doesn’t mean you cannot have a meaningful day and a joyful experience. If you find yourself alone this Christmas, here are a few ideas that will make your day merrier. They’re all simple, but sometimes we forget that it’s the free and easy things that can have the biggest impact on our enjoyment. Maybe we just need a little reminder.
Connect Virtually
Connecting with family and friends virtually is simple on a number of different platforms. Some are free, others are paid options. Skype, FaceTime, Zoom, Google Hangout, Google Meet, Whatsapp, Duo, Teleparty, Houseparty, and I’m sure there are many more platforms where people can mingle and spread some holiday cheer. If you don’t want to go online, phone someone and wish them a Merry Christmas.
Treat Yourself
Go all out and make yourself your favorite holiday dishes whether simple or elaborate. Bake some cookies, make some apple cider or holiday punch, light some candles, and put on some festive music. Make yourself your own special guest for Christmas. Indulge without guilt!
Volunteer During Christmas
You can spread some holiday cheer by giving of your time during Christmas. Homeless shelters, soup kitchens, drop-in centers, youth services, the hospital, meals on wheels, animal shelters, or perhaps your local church are in need some a friendly smile and a helping hand.
Do Something You Love
It’s very easy to keep yourself busy with hobbies and activities you thoroughly enjoy. Bring out some yarn and knit or crochet a gift for someone or for yourself. Pull out or buy a special holiday puzzle and see how quickly you can put it together.
Submerge Yourself in a Book
Christmas time affords us the solitude and quietude we may need to recharge and unravel from a hectic year. Bring out that book you’ve been longing to dive into or find a free book online. Reading can whisk you into a different reality, a different realm where you become one with the story. Sometimes we need that escape.
Christmas Movie Binge
Have you got a bunch of shows you’ve tapped but haven’t had a chance to binge-watch? Or have you been longing to watch your favorite series again? Or have you got a bunch of favorite holiday movies all lined up just for the holidays you’ve been aching to watch? Give yourself permission to don those flannel moose jammies and big floppy slippers and watch every movie. Make a huge bowl of popcorn and savor the moment.
Bundle Up & Go For a Walk
It’s always a wonderful feeling to get outside in nature and breathe in that fresh cool air. Walking is great exercise, it’s peaceful and it gives us time to reflect on the good things in our lives. Walking releases endorphins so we automatically will feel better and happier.