How to be Alone During Holidays

Being alone during holidays can be a sad, frustrating experience. At some point in your life, you may have to learn to cope with being alone, whether it is due to being away at college or on business, or other circumstances that you do not have any control over. What looks like a sad or lonely situation, however, may actually be a golden opportunity to do something that you have always wanted to do. This may be the time to take a trip or put yourself first. Take a proactive stance and make your holidays alone some of your best memories, yet.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paper
• Pencil

1. Acknowledge that you will be alone for the upcoming holiday. You may not be able to do anything about it, but get your creative juices flowing and start thinking about how you can spend this day alone.

2. Think about what has the most meaning to you. Be kind to yourself. Perhaps you can make plans to call your family or friends at a certain time on this day. Make plans to call ahead of time, in case your family or friends have something scheduled. Be flexible, as this is their holiday too.

3. Plan ahead and look into having fun and finding interesting things to do. You will not be the only person who is alone for the holidays. Meet up with other people and make the most of the holiday.

4. Determine what your options are. You may not be able to leave home or can’t venture too far. Read your local newspaper or go online and find out what options you have right in your own neighborhood. You could always rent a favorite movie, read a book or take a long walk. The main thing is that you explore what your options are that fit into your time frame and budget.

5. Take a trip. Look into flying to an exotic place or somewhere that you have always wondered about. Being alone does have its advantages, and making all the decisions for a trip is one of them. If you are scared to travel alone, try a group tour. This will give you an opportunity to meet new people and see new things.

6. Buy good food, make sure you are ready for anything, and spoil yourself. Sitting in a dreary house eating junk food will not help your mood. Get up, get moving and get going.

7. Have Plan B at the ready. Plans change, people get sick, and your original plans may fall through. Always have Plan B. Have your books, movies and good food in place. You may want to have a project ready to start or something else in the back of your mind. This way, you won’t be too disappointed if plans change at the last minute.

8. Relax. This holiday will pass. You can either make it memorable or miserable. Add a new twist to your holiday and look at it as a pleasant time to enjoy your quality of life.

Resources

• 10 Things to Do if You're Alone During the Holidays

[equotient]

on 10/30/2009 I agree. Thank you for your comment.

[holihelp]

on 10/30/2009 There are lots of ways to not be alone, but the real goal is not just finding companionship — it’s finding people who actually want YOU to be with them — in other words, what a family is supposed to be. Family is crucial. If you don’t have a supportive family by blood or marriage, try to create a family of friends. Try Creating Extended Families.