Spending Christmas Alone? Here's How To Keep The Holiday Spirit Alive
In the words of Billy Mack from Love Actually, “Christmas is a time to be with the people you love.” But what happens when you can’t be with the people you love on Christmas? Not much merriness or brightness.
With the COVID-19 pandemic, many people will be celebrating Christmas without family or even friends to maintain social distancing and keep people safe. As someone who adores Christmas and all it stands for, this is perhaps the biggest bummer of all time.
But maybe it doesn’t have to be. A solo Christmas doesn’t have to mean a blue Christmas. There are lots of ways you can make the holiday season feel festive, fun, and meaningful even when you can’t be with the people you love.
1) Make a Plan
Do NOT just wing a solo Christmas. At the very least, you need to have a plan. Many businesses and restaurants are closed on Christmas and you don’t want to be without takeout or groceries. You also should have a plan for activities that will make you happy, even if it just means reading a novel or binge-watching Christmas movies. This way, you’ll have something to look forward to and won’t end up dreading the day.
2) Be Christmasy
There’s no rule that says you can’t do your favorite Christmas traditions by yourself! Lean into the festive spirit and plan some Christmasy things like decorating your home, opening mailed presents on Christmas morning, baking your fave holiday treats, turning on the tree, watching Christmas movies, or even just bopping to Christmas tunes.
3) Make Like Santa
Did you know jolly old Saint Nicholas became famous for his charitable work? Long before he was dropping presents through chimneys, he was doling out good cheer to those in need. Make like Santa and pay it forward. If you have the time and you feel safe doing so, consider volunteering at a local charity. There are even some virtual volunteering opportunities. Or, if you have the cash, consider making donations to some of your favorite organizations.
4) Sweat it Out
Maybe your gym is closed. That’s fine! You don’t need a treadmill to squeeze in a Christmas workout. Start your morning with a yoga class or go for a run if the weather allows. Not only is exercising just plain good for you, but it also gives you mood-boosting endorphins that will help fight off any solo Christmas blues.
5) Binge-Watching Session
A solo Christmas means you have plenty of time to indulge in a guilt-free binge session! Don’t even bother changing out of your jammies—just curl up on the couch with that show you’ve been meaning to watch and a mug of eggnog (rum strongly encouraged).
6) Eat
You don’t have to eat your traditional family meal to have a bangin’ Christmas dinner. Treating yourself to a something delicious and maybe even a little special can be fun and jolly. If you’re into cooking and baking, lean into it and have a blast creating some tasty holiday dishes and desserts. If you don’t love the kitchen or just want to take it easy, treat yourself to some Christmas takeout from your favorite restaurant.