Comments on: How to Enjoy Being Alone During the Holidays

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

on 11/22/2005 No, this is not one of those expensive excursions. At least one day of the holidays, feel good from the inside out. Use the day to detoxify: eat healthy fruits and vegetables and drink plenty of water. For the outside, put on a face mask and have a long bath.

on 11/22/2005 Keep a video collection for "themed" movie nights. For example, I have an "Adventures at Sea" collection which includes "Jaws", "The Perfect Storm", etc.

Jan

on 11/22/2005 It's an old cliche, but it's true. Helping others makes you feel good. Volunteer to serve food at a shelter, make treats and hand them out to the neighbors, etc.

Jan

on 11/22/2005 Everyone has something in their house that needs organizing. Buy some fun organizing "stuff" and jump in. After the holidays are over you will be more organized and have a sense of accomplishment.

Jan