How to Enjoy Being Alone During the Holidays

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.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

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

1. 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.

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

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

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

5. Write in your journal, or start one.

6. 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.

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

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

[iamageniuster]

on 12/18/2008 Very neat article. Thanks for sharing.

[ameliawrite]

on 12/15/2008 Very helpful article. Loneliness is a year round problem for alot of people. You addressed something important.

[Haoie]

on 12/11/2008 Nice to know, since I'll be alone this Christmas/New year.

[ArtistGrrrl]

on 10/30/2008 I never minded being alone, I like my free-time, but the holidays? Well, that's a different story. That is the time when everyone hunkers down and nests with their loved ones, you know, logs on the fire and turkey dinners and presents. Yeah. My long term relationship to the man I thought I would marry ended suddenly and terribly. I then lost my mother to cancer this last year. Her birthday is on Christmas Day. I have no other family but my brother, who is a drug addict and in jail. I DREAD Christmas now when it used to be my very favorite holiday of all. The holidays for me will never ever be the same.

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.