Growing up in the shadows of your sibling
Christmas is a holiday often associated with family, gifts, and all things jolly (including eating until you drop). However, sometimes you end up spending Christmas alone, for whatever reason, especially now with the pandemic and so many travel restrictions. But it doesn't have to feel like the end of the world!
If you're spending this holiday season without your loved ones, take a look at this gallery for some ideas of what you can do, as well as inspiration to help you not feel lonely.
Even if you're on your lonesome, keeping up with family traditions can help you feel less alone. It can also result in a beautifully decorated home for you to admire and enjoy.
Even if you're not spending the holidays with your loved ones, that doesn't mean they don't miss you or wish you were there. Get in touch with your family and friends—they'll surely love to hear from you.
Reach out to others you know are spending the holidays alone and let them know you're there for them. It can be in person or on a video call.
Contact friends you haven't heard from in some time and catch up with them. It's perhaps the best time of the year to express gratitude to those in your life. Plus, you won't be pressured for time or have to rush.
Practicing mindfulness and gratitude has been proven to have plenty of health benefits. It can reportedly help fight stress, depression, and loneliness. Ways to practice include journaling and meditation, among others.
Following your family or friends on social media and seeing what they're up to during the holidays together can add to your stress and bring you down. Use this time to detox from technology and take time off to just enjoy the little things.
Whether it's a holiday treat from a stand at the Christmas market, or a three-course meal at a restaurant, treat yourself to some delicious food and drinks. Because that's what the holidays are about, right? Full bellies!
While others are enjoying their holiday traditions and meals inside, the beautifully lit streets are left empty. Take a walk amidst the lights and feel the festive spirit as you enjoy the streets to yourself.
With our busy lives, we often forget to stop and be grateful for what we have. Be it health, work, a house, family, or love. Don't think about what you could be missing out on—focus on all the good things you have in life.
Exercise can help relieve stress, as well as work up a sweat. If you're the type of person who can't stay still or struggles with having free time, go for a run or do some other exercise. It could help!
Organize a party online and get your family and friends (as many as possible!) to do a group Skype or FaceTime call. Think about all the cleaning up you won't have to do and the company you still get to enjoy!
If you're someone who appreciates their personal "me time," spending the holidays alone might be a good thing. Take the days off to enjoy a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
We all have a to-do list and chores that we've put off for as long as we can. So, why not do them now and get ahead?
Whatever the reason may be for you to be spending Christmas alone, know that it is fair to feel sad and upset. Allow yourself to feel whatever it is that you feel. Bottling up can sometimes do more harm than good.
Christmas Day is really just a day off like any other, in that you can just enjoy the time off. What do you usually do on a free day from work? If it makes you happy, do that!
Whether it's buying and wrapping up that item you've wanted all year or treating yourself to a concert you've been eager to go to, whatever it is, do something nice for yourself. Self care is important!
If you're a workaholic or simply love what you do, working through Christmas could be an option too. And if your co-workers are also working through the holidays, it could be a great chance to bond with them.
These guests may not be your family or close friends, but they're lovely people who are also alone during the holidays. Invite them to your place, or organize an event and have a Christmas party you'll never forget!
Helping others not only feels good, but does good too. Whether it's working at a soup kitchen or donating a bunch of goods, those who need it will appreciate it.
Giving back is very gratifying, and doing so with friends can be a lot more fun. Maybe they can't spend Christmas dinner with you, but volunteering in the morning could be a different story. Try convincing your pals to volunteer with you for a cause you all feel passionate about.
If you feel that you are unable to cope with spending the holiday season alone, it's best to get help. There are helplines in place for days and moments like this that you can call. There is no shame is reaching out for help.
See also: Unusual activities to do this Christmas
How not to feel lonely this Christmas, even if you're spending it alone
Being alone doesn't have to be lonely
LIFESTYLE Christmas
Christmas is a holiday often associated with family, gifts, and all things jolly (including eating until you drop). However, sometimes you end up spending Christmas alone, for whatever reason, especially now with the pandemic and so many travel restrictions. But it doesn't have to feel like the end of the world!
If you're spending this holiday season without your loved ones, take a look at this gallery for some ideas of what you can do, as well as inspiration to help you not feel lonely.