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How to Enjoy Being Alone During the Holidays

By eHow Holidays & Celebrations Editor

Rate: (3 Ratings)

Few people choose to be alone on major holidays. But, whether the cause is anticipated - it's the ex-spouse's turn to have the kids and they've flown to Hawaii - or suddenly inflicted - a blizzard blows into town, closing highways and airports for a day or two - everyone winds up as a solo reveler now and then.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Journals
Candles
Scrapbooks
Boxes Of Chocolates
Wines
Bubble Baths
CDs
Airline Tickets
Movie Tickets
Theater Tickets

Step1

Treat yourself to a vacation you've always wanted to take, whether it's a cruise, a week at a ski resort or a New York shopping-and-theater binge.

Step2

Cook your favorite dinner, light a fire, curl up on the sofa and watch a feel-good video.

Step3

Start that book you've been meaning to read, or reread a childhood favorite.

Step4

Pick up the phone and call a friend who always makes you laugh.

Step5

Write in your journal, or start one.

Step6

Get around to projects you've been putting off, such as making a scrapbook of last year's vacation mementos, painting the bathroom or refinishing that antique dresser Aunt Louise left you. Most likely you'll find the process meditative, and you'll have lasting results to show for your efforts.

Step7

Take your dog for a long walk. If you don't have a dog, borrow someone else's.

Step8

Grab your sketchbook (or buy one) and head outside. Drawing, even if you think you can't, makes you see the world in a whole new way.

Step9

Plan a special treat for every day if your solo period will be an extended one. Choose things that please you: a visit to the art museum, dinner and a play, a hike in the woods or a walk on a wintry beach.

Step10

Assemble a solo-party emergency kit, especially if you live alone in snow country and your plans include holiday travel. Stash some favorite delicacies in the pantry and freezer: bottles of your favorite wines and spirits; books, CDs and videos you know you'll enjoy; firewood, bubble bath, candles - whatever makes you feel indulged and contented.

Tips & Warnings

If enjoying your own company doesn't come naturally, it may take some practice. But it's well worth the effort.

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Comments

BobbyDylan said

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on 12/2/2007 :) Amazingly true! This helped so much with my current alone time.

Anonymous said

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on 8/11/2006 I broke up with my boyfriend, at the same time I lost my best friends. At first I was so scared thinking that I will be very lonely and sad. But no, I go to many websites where they talk about being alone and heart broken, and that makes me feel much better. I realize that I have to restart my life not depending on anyone. I have to create happiness, not wait for someone to bring it to me. And yes, I treat myself very well. I work, study for good. Besides, being alone brings you a lot of free-time for hobbies like reading, swimming, all kind of stuffs. I love to feel free and happy like this, I have time to make myself prettier, too.

Anonymous said

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on 1/18/2006 Why assume it's a bad thing being alone? It isn't. Enjoy the peace and quiet and freedom from arguments and hassle is what I say!

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 If you really want to be at a function during the holidays, ask friends and other acquaintances what they're doing during the holidays. In a non-pushy, open-ended way, ask if you can join them. Offer to bring a dish, dessert, or a bottle of wine as a way to say, thank you for their hospitality.

People also love photos of events. I often bring my camera to take photos of the gathering, then send copies or printouts to the primary contact soon afterward. It's also a good way to be actively involved in a group of strangers, yet have the added convenience of having something to do with my hands and stay mobile by hiding behind a camera.

Fresh blood at a gathering is usually always welcome, and you'll get a chance to meet new people in a completely different setting than what you're normally used to. Holidays don't have to be the same old family gatherings, after all.

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 I enjoy being alone, but some people don't. Perhaps now is a good time to experience being alone, a meditative-type of experience. During this time, you might want to question the meaning of the holiday (and what it's really about) during your reflection. Use the day to honestly listen to yourself, get to know who you really are without the noise and distraction of the TV, radio, or other media.

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