How to Be Happy Being Alone at Christmas

Are you having to survive the holidays alone? why not thrive instead of just survive?

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Be thankful for what you have. Do you have food? Clothing? Shelter? Health? A job? Then you can be glad knowing that you have much. Many people would be happy to trade places with you just to have one or more of these things in their life.

2. Celebrating Christmas doesn't have to be done according to tradition. Make Christmas what you want it to be. Television ads and music bombard us with images of what they think Christmas should be, such as being surrounded by a multitude of family and friends, but that's just someone else's idea. Maybe you don't like crowds and parties. For you, Christmas may be a time of enjoying the peace and quiet or enjoying the time off of work. It can be a time of giving to others in need if you want it to be, but it doesn't have to be. You could take the time to read that book you've never had time to or to start that fun project you've been too busy to do. You could pamper yourself by doing something like taking a hot bath by candlelight. Use the time to do something you really enjoy or just enjoy doing nothing at all.

3. If you are into the food and decorations of Christmas, go ahead and do it up just for you! Who says you need other people around to enjoy those things? Put up that tree, get out your fine dishes and silverware, decorate, buy yourself fresh flowers or a Poinsettia, play Christmas music, scent your rooms with Christmas potpourri, buy something nice just for you. Treat yourself like the special person you are.

4. Realize that times and situations change. What Christmas is like this year may not be what it will be like next year. Celebrate each Christmas as its own unique experience.

5. If you are spiritual, you can attend a Christmas Eve service at church. You can put up a nativity scene. You can spend the time getting closer to and communing with God. You could give to those in need through organizations such as World Vision.

6. Look on the positive side of things. Take time to remember and enjoy what you have and don't worry about the rest. See each day as a gift and make the best of it. There are no set rules on how you must celebrate Christmas so enjoy the holidays in your own special way.

Tips & Warnings

• Being alone at Christmas is often better than being stressed out having to visit with cranky relatives every year. The picture perfect Christmas scene isn't always a reality for those with family and friends around them either.

[tylamac]

on 12/24/2008 Thank you for writing this. I really needed it today.

[kellysgallery]

on 11/30/2008 Thank you for a beautiful article. I feel better already about being alone for Christmas this year! Thanks for spending the time to write!!!