For the past three years, I’ve spent pretty much every holiday alone or working. My family is across the country and I’m not able to take the time off of work for each trip and my friends all go home to be with their families. With that being said, there are quite a few things to do to make the holidays easier when you’re by yourself.
- Decorate for each holiday if possible, even if it’s just your room.
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I like to create a Pinterest board and try to create it with DIY projects or things from the Dollar Store. Not only does it give you something to do, but it gets you in the holiday spirit!
- Take time to call your family and friends
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By isolating yourself and trying to forget the holidays, you’re not only worrying your loved ones, but it can also diminish your mental health. A quick call lets them all know that you’re okay and they shouldn’t feel guilty that you’re not with them. None of you should feel guilty because things happen and you’re not always going to be able to be there.
- Distract yourself
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Spending any day alone can be hard, especially during the holidays. My first two years alone I spent working as much as possible to forget I was alone at all, but it made it harder to see my coworkers going home to their families, which made me feel worse and lonelier. I try to watch movies or read books so I’m distracted from the loneliness. I also make food for each holiday and enjoy it as if I were at home.
- Remember that you won’t always be alone
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It’s been hard for me to fly out to see my family but each year gets easier. Last year, some of my coworkers brought me food and hung out with me during my work break. This year, I’m planning to spend Christmas with one of my roommates and take the time to drive up to see some friends for New Years’ Day. I’ve never had the option before, and next year I’m sure to have more options available to me!
- Don’t feel sorry for yourself and lie around trying to feel worse
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I’m not saying you can’t be sad, but wallowing in your sadness isn’t going to make you feel better. You need to find ways to be okay with the alone time and embrace it! Self-care baby!! Make your comfort food or watch your comfort movies, you have so many options!
- Go exploring and find a new place
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For me, I have so much free time because school is on a break and a girl can only work so much. I’m not much of a fan of driving around either, so I usually go on a small drive locally and get lost until I find something exciting. Normally it’s a new food place because I always love finding new foods to try, but every now and then I find really cool hills to see the city lights or alleys that are decorated.
- Make a playlist
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I noticed recently that all of my sad playlists (and yes I have one for different types of sad) have hundreds of songs. My Spotify Wrapped basically called me a crybaby! However, I don’t have any holiday or cheerful playlists, so I’ve made it my mission to create three different ones by the end of the week! A holiday playlist to get me in the mood, a “happy dance to every song” playlist, and an “I’m in serious need of serotonin” playlist. Music listening habits can either help change a person’s mood and mindset for the better or worse, remember that!
Holidays can be lonely even if you’re in a crowded room. Try to find what works best for you because it makes all the difference and nobody should be upset during such a joyous time! Ho Ho Ho and Happy Holidays!