How to Survive Being Single at Christmas

The holiday season never seems quite the same when you are single. If you are one of the few singles among your family and friends, you might feel a little out of place over the holidays. By reaching out to others and joining with your other single friends, you can actively participate in holiday festivities and enjoy the true meaning of Christmas without feeling lonely.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Attend holiday parties and events if you do need to fly solo. There is no reason to be embarrassed if you are single over the holidays. Almost everyone goes through periods of being single. Participate in holiday meals and gatherings just as you would if you were the other half of a couple.

2. Invite another single friend to attend holiday parties and meals with you. If you buddy up with someone else who knows how lonely you feel on the holidays, you will not feel so out of place and unusual. Of course, you will also be helping your friend to feel a little less alone over the holiday as well.

3. Volunteer at a local nursing home during the holiday season. You can share your time and spread joy to elderly people who do not have many visitors during the holidays. There are many residents of retirement communities who are lonely and could use a friend like you. Make their season brighter and bring some love into your own heart by volunteering.

4. Volunteer your time at a holiday meal for people who are homeless or who are poor. You will not be spending time alone and you will be making a difference in the holiday for others. This is a tradition you can continue even in years to come when you are no longer single at Christmas. You can volunteer with your loved one when that day comes.

5. Participate in local holiday events and performances. You can sign in a local church choir or perform in a community Christmas play. Join other members of your community to sing Christmas carols throughout the neighborhood. Being actively involved will help to keep your mind occupied so that you do not feel alone. You will be among friends and neighbors. You might even meet someone new.

Tips & Warnings

• Give your family and friends some notice if you will be bringing another single friend along with you to a holiday meal.