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
- 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.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If enjoying your own company doesn't come naturally, it may take some practice. But it's well worth the effort.
Related Searches
Comments
-
leadedcoffee
Dec 20, 2010
Ok, i'll speak to all those people that are saying, "Hey, just go out and create a friend or family!" Hey, guess what, wake up. There are people here that don't have families, either through death or other disfunction, and I'm sorry, it's really easy for people to point at someone who is lonely and monday-night quarterback their life. What the hell gives you the right? For one, you don't know the circumstances surrounding their solitude. This is why so many people commit suicide during the holidays. Have a little bit of courtesy. I'm not saying feel sorry for them, but offer "friendly" advice rather than essentially pointing a finger at them and automatically assuming to KNOW their lives and situations. -
jhzzzz
Jul 04, 2010
what a load of bs, it's just another thing trying to justify others for ignoring people. I have an idea, why not post an eHow for people telling them how to friend people and help out people who are alone. Not everyone is lucky enough to have family or have decent people for family. Why don't people actually try to treat people better in the first place so there doesn't have to be instructions on how to enjoy being alone.
-
evuser9835
Dec 08, 2009
ok
-
holihelp
Oct 30, 2009
I'm sorry, I didn't mean to post so many times! I thought it wasn't going through & hit post again, sorry!
-
holihelp
Oct 30, 2009
There are lots of ways to not be alone, but the real goal is not just finding companionship its 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 dont have a supportive family by blood or marriage, try to create a family of friends. Try Creating Extended Families.
