Jingle bells are ringing all around us, but the sound might not bring much cheer to those of us spending the holidays on our own. While there are methods of staying in touch with your loved ones, such as video calls and socially distanced drive-bys, the likelihood of staying home alone increases as pandemic numbers continue to rise. So how do we deal with holiday loneliness? Here are a few tips to help you get through the holidays (alone or not) as unscathed as possible.
Talk to Your Loved Ones
Just because you can’t be physically present doesn’t mean that you’re ostracized from your friends and family. If your holiday gathering was called off this year, the rest of your family is probably feeling much the same, so grab the phone and wish them a happy holiday season.
Whether you set up a video conference or drop off a present on their porch, letting your loved ones know you’re thinking about them will put a smile on their face and restore a bit of normalcy to your holiday plans this year.
Treat Yourself
Yes, things are different this year, but you can still make the holidays special. So put the vacuum away and forget about the list of errands you have. Enjoy a little rest, relaxation, and festivities.
Whether you treat yourself to a gourmet meal, order something special, or simply binge that new series that’s been on your watchlist all month, this is the best time to lift your own spirits. Being alone for the holidays isn’t ideal, but so long as you use that time doing something you enjoy, it’s time well spent.
Get into the Holiday Spirit
Rather than allowing a change in holiday plans to deflate you, amp up your own holiday spirit this season. Whether that means dancing around to your favorite festive songs or baking cookies and drinking eggnog in an ugly Christmas sweater, let your holiday spirit shine through.
Make New Traditions
Rather than feel sorry for yourself and think about who you’d normally spend the holidays with, lean into the possibility for new traditions and out-of-the-box ways to make someone else’s day. Donate food, coats, (and or) socks to homeless shelters or get a toy or two for Toys for Tots. Giving to those who really need it will put the drawbacks of this holiday into perspective.
Recognize this isn’t Permanent
Above all else, it’s important to remember that this is a temporary solution to a problem that has touched the world. It’s not ideal or fun, but when it comes down to it, if the price of keeping your loved ones healthy is some time spent alone during the holiday season, then maybe it should be done.
Regardless of what your holiday plans look like this year, be thankful for what you have. Isn’t that what the holidays are all about, anyway?
Don’t let being physically alone this December take the happy out of your holidays. Everyone is in the same boat, and when it comes down to it, safety comes first. That being said, gathering in person isn’t the only way to enjoy the festivities, so keep these tips in mind as you plan your holly jolly holiday season.