For Those Alone This Christmas
I open up Instagram, and what do I see,
Countless happy families staring back at me.
Their trees are all trimmed, with presents laid out,
It’s hard not fuss, nor scream, nor shout!
Spending Christmas alone, (plus a global pandemic),
How the f#$% do I fix this, my problem’s systemic!
Your first Christmas alone, or second (or third),
Don’t you dare get discouraged, that would be quite absurd!
It’s all about perspective, you must make that shift,
Because this Christmas Day, you are your own gift!
There is no other day of the year in which you feel the solitude of being alone as much as Christmas.
I’m not going to lie - your first Christmas alone will be difficult. Whether you’re recently divorced, have been single for quite some time, or are spending your first Christmas without your children, I’m here to remind you that it will not be like this forever.
One of my most memorable Christmases was spent at an Elephant Sanctuary in Phuket, Thailand. While my (single) experiences that day were AMAZING, I’d be lying if I said that there wasn’t a sting of being alone while I looked at the countless pictures on my phone of friends and family enjoying the holidays together.
It is incredibly easy to lose ourselves during the holidays by focusing on what we don’t have. Rather than sinking to the level of Billy Bob Thornton in Bad Santa, I propose that you take a decidedly different course. Focus on what you do have by practicing a little gratitude. Yes - this suggestion can seem painfully smug - but actively reminding yourself what you’re thankful for can have life-changing benefits. So let’s shift the focus a bit:
We have our health (Thanks for wearing a mask ;))
We have our friends and family (although they might not be in our homes)
We have tomorrow (you may be single, it is important to remember that you’re never truly alone)
Whatever the reason you are alone on Christmas, it is important to know that at this moment, although you may no longer believe in Santa, you must have faith in the greater plan for your life.
This Christmas might suck, but it will not always be this way. The key to moving forward begins with you understanding, and then accepting, that your relationship status does not reflect your relevancy. It may seem counter-intuitive, but the key to getting to a better place requires intense self focus and self-care. How can you expect someone else to love and accept you, if you don’t love and accept yourself?
With that in mind, here are some ways to stay positive during the holidays while flying solo:
Volunteer! Help yourself by helping others.
Treat Yo Self! Buy yourself something special and then enjoy some wine, a bath, and your favorite movie.
Great Crafty! Make a Yarn Pom Pom Garland - video here (trust me, if I can do it so can you).
Dress up! Treat yourself to a new comfy Christmas outfit
Practice a new Recipe! Cook a nice meal for yourself (holiday carbs don’t count).
Write about how you feel! Write about what you’re feeling (NOT on social media).
Reconnect! Reach out to old friends & family you haven’t spoken to in a while.
Innovate! Play dirty santa with your friends or co-workers via Zoom.
Curl up in front of the TV! Watch some holiday classics; The Grinch (new or old), Elf, A Christmas Story, Home Alone (full video here).
Practice gratitude! Last but not least, give THANKS for not having to deal with your ex’s mother (Amen).
Merry Christmas, ya filthy animal.
Don’t miss helpful advice like this sent directly to your inbox every week by signing up for our free newsletter here!
