How to Celebrate Christmas If You’re By Yourself This Year
Your Christmas may look a little different this year.
I've done Christmas just about any way you can. I've been with a massive amount of family at home, I've been on vacation with my husband, I've pushed the big day to a later date in order to accommodate people's schedules, and I've also spent Christmas Day alone. As I reflect on these various celebrations, I can tell you that my favorite will always be the one with family. However, not every year can be perfect and sometimes you have to play the cards you've been dealt.
Let me tell you that it's OK for you to be alone on Christmas. You may get in your feels a little bit, but there are things you can do to make it easier on yourself. Here's what I recommend.
Take People Up on Their Offer
If anyone has extended an invitation for you to join them for Christmas, do it. It will only feel odd and uncomfortable if you let it. In my experience, when someone invites me to Christmas it is because they care about me like family. You should also remind yourself that it is not a pity invite and they aren't doing it out of obligation. So if you get an invite and you're unsure, put on some real pants and go. And make sure you lean in and enjoy it.
Make or Order Your Favorite Meal
Food is such a big part of our lives through our experiences and memories. Making something that reminds your of home or something that allows you to indulge in a way you don't usually do can be quite therapeutic. Now, I'm not telling you to drown your feelings in a gallon of ice cream. I'm telling you to do something special for yourself. Pour yourself a glass of wine, dig out an old recipe book and make something magical.
Volunteer
This is an easy way to bring us back to gratitude. We can get caught up in all of the gift-giving, stomach-stuffing, over-indulging parts of the holiday. But when you spend time serving those who need it most, it can be a humbling experience. It may even leave you feeling more fulfilled than unwrapping presents.
Have a Movie Marathon
Queue up a stack of movies that you love. They don't have to be Christmas movies, but that certainly wouldn't hurt. Not only will this allow you to escape, but it will also pass the time. Plus, do you know how many movies I have that I would love to watch, but can't find the time? Today is the perfect excuse to just camp out on the couch and watch them all. Heck, I say you should build yourself a fort just like you did as a kid.
Pamper Yourself
I love a good spa day, but that may not be available at an actual brick and mortar on a day like today. Instead, create your own spa oasis in your home. Light candles, draw a warm bath, use the good bath oils and salts (which you probably got for Christmas last year), and put on some relaxing music. Allow yourself to relax and escape for an hour or two.