The Christmas season is often associated with family and time spent together with loved ones. However, for a variety of reasons, you may find yourself spending Christmas alone. In this case, don't despair. There are many ways to have fun and still enjoy the party. By celebrating traditions alone or by going out and exploring the city, you will find that parties are surprisingly enjoyable on their own.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Celebrating Traditions Alone
Step 1. Decorate your home for Christmas
While it may seem unusual to do this when you are alone, it is a great way to get into the holiday spirit and improve your mood. Decorate the tree, hang decorations and a few lights on the windowsill or facade.
If your family used special decorations when you were little, you can bring them back now that you are alone. For example, maybe your mom always put Santa's hat on the tree instead of a star or an angel. Following that tradition can make you feel closer to loved ones, even if you can't be physically with them
Step 2. Buy yourself a gift
Is there something you have been craving for a long time, but haven't bought yet? In this case, make a concession in the spirit of the holidays. Give yourself something expensive that you wouldn't normally buy. Buy it a few days in advance, but wait for Christmas before unwrapping your gift.
Since you won't be spending money on travel, you can afford to spend a little more on yourself. There is nothing wrong with buying yourself something expensive to celebrate the holidays
Step 3. Get into the holiday spirit with Christmas carols
You can make a themed playlist on sites like YouTube, Spotify, or Pandora. You can also buy Christmas CDs and play them on your laptop or stereo. Even if you are alone, the best Christmas carols will put you in the right spirit.
If you don't like classic Christmas carols, think of other tunes you associate with this holiday. For example, listen to songs that remind you of relatives you can't meet this year. Think back if you liked a specific album very much at a Christmas time in years past and listen to it again to bring back those fond memories
Step 4. Enjoy your favorite dishes on your own
You don't have to skip meals and avoid eating traditional holiday sweets just because you will spend the day alone. A few days before Christmas, go shopping and get the ingredients to make some of your favorite dishes.
- If you are afraid of preparing too much food, look for smaller portions. For example, you can buy a few slices of salami from a local delicatessen.
- If you decide to make a full pan of cookies, eat some and ship the others to loved ones in the days following the holidays.
Step 5. Remember previous holidays
It's about old photos or objects related to past Christmases. Even if you can't physically be with family or friends, you can enjoy the memories of the holidays you spent together.
- When you travel in memory, try to call loved ones to greet them and share with them the memories of Christmas spent together.
- Some people feel nostalgic about remembering the past, especially if they are sad because they have to go through the holidays alone. If you find that memories only make you feel bad or homesick, try to distract yourself in another way.
Step 6. Send e-mails or Christmas cards
This is a great way to feel close to people you can't see. Choose some greeting cards a few days before Christmas and spend the holidays writing them to loved ones. If you don't have cards, you can write ordinary letters and decorate them with ribbons and glitter. More simply, you can also send greeting emails to the people you love.
Part 2 of 3: Having Fun at Home
Step 1. Stay all day in your pajamas
One of the reasons many people love Christmas is that they have an excuse to do nothing all day. There is no need to get up and get dressed in the morning to go to work or school. Enjoy some relaxation by putting on some nice comfortable pajamas and wearing them all day long.
Step 2. Dedicate to DIY projects
If you have the materials you need, try having fun with some festive projects. You can make gifts for loved ones or small decorations for your home. DIY can be very relaxing and keep you busy when you are home alone.
If you need inspiration, try searching for guides on sites like YouTube or browsing Pinterest for project ideas
Step 3. Read
Many people don't work on Christmas day. If you haven't picked up a book you like for a long time, start reading it again at Christmas. Enjoy the day relaxing in your pajamas and immersing yourself in good reading.
If you're not currently reading anything, you can try starting stories. You will usually be able to complete them before a novel
Step 4. Plan your own Christmas themed movie marathon
If you have favorite Christmas movies, watch them on a streaming service or take out old DVDs. You can spend the day perusing old classics like "Armchair for Two" or "It's a Wonderful Life". You can also search on sites like Hulu and Netflix for Christmas specials of your favorite TV shows.
If you don't like Christmas movies, you can organize a marathon with all your favorite ones
Step 5. Pamper yourself
Do something enjoyable that you wouldn't normally have time to do. Take a relaxing bath, have a manicure or have a glass of wine. Since almost everyone dedicates this day to relaxation, don't feel guilty if you indulge in a few addictions in solitude.
Part 3 of 3: Get out
Step 1. Take a long walk
A walk around your city on Christmas Day can be fun. Many homes will be decorated for the season and there will likely be fewer people around and less traffic. If you live in an area where it snows during the winter, you might as well enjoy a snowfall.
Look for nature trails near you. Spending the day in nature is a great way to have fun when you are alone
Step 2. Volunteer
Helping others can be very helpful, especially if you are sad because you will be spending Christmas alone. If you go out and do something for others, you will feel better. Ask local charities or churches if they are looking for volunteers for Christmas Day and dedicate the party to serving others.
Step 3. Go to an open restaurant
Not all restaurants are closed on Christmas Day. In particular, those serving food from countries where Christmas is not normally celebrated will be open. If you find a restaurant open, treat yourself to a meal by yourself. Bring a book with you and enjoy a lunch or dinner in peace.
If you don't like the idea of eating in a restaurant alone, you can order something to go
Step 4. Attend a religious service
If you are religious, find out which churches officiate mass. Go to mass in the morning or in the afternoon. This can help you remember why Christmas day is important and will give you something to think about. In addition, you will be able to interact with other people in your religious community, which can make you feel better if you are sad.
Step 5. Take a trip
If you have a car or public transport is available, take a day trip to a location you've always wanted to visit. Reach a nature trail and hike. Visit a nearby town to view the Christmas decorations. A trip can be thrilling if you are alone.
