Finding Holiday Cheer Your Way: Beating Holiday Loneliness

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Joddee Jacobsen

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Being Alone Doesn’t Have to Mean Being Lonely

Most of us feel lonely every now and then. Sometimes that feeling passes by fairly quickly, but there can be situations, events, and certain times of year where loneliness can linger. During the holidays, it seems that there is an expectation to celebrate a certain way, and embrace the good cheer of the season.

It’s very important to remember that being alone doesn’t have to mean being lonely. It’s ok to watch a holiday movie by yourself, read a favorite book, or just enjoy your own company. Sometimes it can be just what you need!

But if you’re looking for a little more connection and want to join in on the festivities of the season, here are a few ideas for finding enjoyable activities and spending time with others. You can make your holiday brighter on your own by planning your time and fill it with your favorite activities, treats, and the things that make you happy and comfortable.

Create Comfort

  • Favorite foods. Make a special meal or bake a sweet treat just for you that spur happy memories.
  • Watch a favorite movie. Pick a comforting film or a joyful classic to watch in a cozy way.
  • Change your space. Add warm lighting, soft blankets, seasonal scents, and seasonal decorations to your space.
  • Create new traditions. The holidays don’t have to look the same every year. Instead of the traditional turkey, try something new...perhaps a holiday dish from a different country. Send a card or handwritten note to someone you haven’t been connected with recently. Decorate in a new style or color.

Enjoy Activities

  • Go for a walk. Notice the sights and sounds outside, or look at holiday lights in your neighborhood.
  • Listen to music. Put on an uplifting playlist, soothing instrumental tunes, or the songs of the season.
  • Be creative. Draw, write, color, or do a puzzle to keep your hands and mind engaged.
  • Attend Community Events. Holiday events are advertised on community calendars as well as your local library, museums, schools and colleges, senior centers, and places of worship. Call or check online to see what holiday events are happening that you’d enjoy!

Practice Self-Kindness

  • Disconnect from screens. Take a break from social media and the news to protect your peace.
  • Write down good things. List things you are grateful for right now or observations you want to remember.
  • Give yourself permission to relax. Go ahead and rest. You don’t have to impress anyone except yourself.

Be a Good Neighbor

  • Invite the neighbor(s) over for a modest holiday gathering. Serve easy snacks like chips and dip or bake a favorite dessert and enjoy good conversation with your neighbors. Even simple coffee or cocoa is enough!
  • Make connection a priority. An in-person visit is great, but if you can’t see others around the holidays, you can connect by telephone or virtually with Facetime or Zoom. Snail mail is gaining in popularity...write a letter to a relative or friend!
  • Invite a military service member to your home. Many military bases have a program to match a service member with a place to spend the holidays. If that isn’t possible, create a care package for a military service member. Contact a veteran’s group like the American Legion for information on how to contribute to making a service member’s holiday brighter.

The holiday season doesn’t have to look a certain way. Be intentional and look for the moments that make the holidays meaningful to you. Holiday cheer doesn’t have to be over-the-top or complicated; it’s found in the moments that bring joy and happiness to you during the festive season.

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