Spending the Holidays Alone? Here Are Some Tips

America is in the midst of one hell of a holiday season.

This is usually a time for gathering and togetherness. But this year, experts have asked the public to celebrate the holidays at home and only with those in their own household. For many people, that will mean spending the holidays alone.

It’s a sad reality finishing off an already isolating year. If you are spending the holidays without your family and friends this year, I want you to know that you’re not alone. It’s alright to grieve this moment.

Because the holidays are already fraught for many people, it’s essential to be diligent about protecting your mental health. You know the drill—shower, drink plenty of water, and get enough sleep. Here are some other things to try if you’re feeling especially lonely this year:

Remember the circumstances. Many people are feeling the need to make the holidays extra special to salvage an incredibly trying year. Culturally, we have such high expectations for big winter holidays. But this year is not like past years and the holidays won’t be, either. It can be helpful to remind yourself that you are saving lives by staying at home this year.

Think of the reason you celebrate. If your winter celebrations are religious in nature, this solitary holiday could be a lovely time to connect on a deep, personal level with the stories your faith honors during this season.

Decide to celebrate. Or not. If you are feeling festive, treat yourself like a guest of honor. Cook a meal. Play cozy seasonal music. Put a log on the fire. But if that feels like too much pressure to you, let it go. Don’t do anything that’s going to make you feel worse. Just do what’s going to make you happy.

Schedule time to connect with family and friends. Set-up a cocktail hour or a caroling time over Zoom. Open gifts together over FaceTime. Technology can help us stay connected this year, even if we’re physically apart.

Create a new tradition. What about organizing a long-distance Secret Santa exchange? Perhaps this is the year you start volunteering on Christmas Eve. Maybe it’s a favorite movie with a cup of warm cocoa. Whatever it is, beginning a new tradition might offer some peace.

I hope your holiday season is healthy, warm, and bright. Be gentle with yourself. Do whatever will bring you joy. We’ll be together again soon.

 Someday soon we all will be together

If the fates allow

Until then we'll have to muddle through somehow

So have yourself a merry little Christmas now