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Keep up with traditions -

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.

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Create a new tradition - This may be the time for you to come up with new traditions to carry out and enjoy. It can be as simple as taking a walk in a certain part of town, meditate, do something you like or even trying out all the gingerbread cookies the markets have to offer. Whatever it is, make it your own.

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Skype with friends and family -

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.

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Support others who may also feel lonely -

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. 

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Call old friends you lost touch with -

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.

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Practice gratitude -

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.

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Get out of your comfort zone - Say "yes" to new things that you have not tried before, or to things you have not done in a while. You have the time off, so why not?

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Take a walk in nature - Whether it's a forest or a park close to home, taking a walk amongst nature can be a great way to reflect and feel connected to the Earth.

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Give yourself a break from social media -

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.

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Treat yourself to dinner for one -

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!

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Take advantage of the empty streets -

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.

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Value what you have -

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.

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Move your body -

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!

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Enjoy an online Christmas -

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!

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Getting in some alone time -

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.

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Do the chores you've been putting off -

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?

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Know that it's OK to be sad -

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.

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Enjoy the holiday like any other day off -

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!

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Settle in for a Netflix marathon - You have the day off, so why not binge on a favorite show, watch a Christmas film, or start a series you've had on your wish list for some time?

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Get yourself a gift -

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!

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Give gifts to people around you - They may not be your family or close friends, but receiving a gift can mean the world to a person. It's the thought that counts!

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Work through the holidays -

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.

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Plan ahead - If you won't be spending the holidays with your family and loved ones, find out what your neighbors, work mates, and other acquaintances are up to. Plan ahead and start asking early so you can organize yourself and join in on the fun.

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Host your own party -

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!

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Help those in need -

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.

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Volunteer with friends -

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.

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If you're struggling, get help -

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

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