How to Celebrate Christmas When You're Away From Home

If you're overseas and away from family or if the reverse is true then you will probably be spending Christmas by yourself. Here's how you can do this alone and still have fun-all without ever getting depressed.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet access
• Local directory listing

1. Visit the nearest church, where there's probably a group of people in the same boat as you who have no plans. Strike up a conversation with people and see what the evening brings them.

2. Ask the people you've just met on business about local Christmas happenings. Chances are, if there's a co-worker who hears about your plight, he or she might just invite you over to spend Christmas with them.

3. Check out the local bars and restaurants. A lot of them have Christmas dinners for displaced visitors. You are one, so take advantage of the situation.

4. Contact the local YMCA. They have gatherings at this time of the year. It's mostly for the unfortunate, but there's no reason why you cannot attend.

5. Visit the local orphanage if there's one. Help spread the cheer to the kids. They need family too and unfortunately, they do not get to choose like you do.

6. Remember that Christmas should not be spent alone. If possible, have a traveling companion if you know you're going to be away from home.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't get drunk. Remember that you are in a strange place and you still need to get back to your hotel.
• Do not miss your flight out if you're heading back the next day. You don't want to be apart from your family any longer than is necessary.

[CCrock]

on 12/24/2007 great ideas. You could probably find a local church's christmas eve service to attend.