Ideally, Christmas should be about spending time with family. The reality is that not everyone can be around their families during the festive season. Maybe you are away at work, you do not have immediate family members staying near you, or you are estranged from your family. Whatever the case may be, being alone over Christmas can be very stressful. The many movies that reinforce the fact that you should be with your family, and the many advertisements that remind you of how much you are alone can be extremely depressing. However, there are some tips that can help you navigate through it all. They include:
Volunteer For Charity
Christmas is all about giving. You do not have to restrict yourself to giving material things. Even volunteering your time and energy towards a cause you support is enough to lift your spirits. Check around your area to see if there is a charitable organisation that needs an extra hand. The good news is that there are activities that you can participate in without leaving the comfort of your home. You can volunteer to help with online marketing, and other activities that you can do, to enhance your self-worth. It feels good to be needed, and it is even better if you are doing it for the helpful benefit of society.
Work on Yourself
Instead of focusing on how alone you are, you should shift gear to look at ways in which you can improve yourself. Use the festive season to get that dream body that you have been thinking of by going to the gym or starting home workouts. You could also delve into the development of new skills such as learning taekwondo and other activities that bring joy. It is the little things that you do for yourself that will make it bearable.
Quit Comparing Yourself to Others
One of the reasons why people sink into depression is that they start comparing themselves with other people. Do not obsess about how other people are having fun with their families while you are alone. It will only steal your joy and make you feel more sad over Christmas. Resist the temptation of constantly asking your friends and people around you what they are doing for Christmas and then feeling bad about your own situation.
Explore Technology
Thanks to technology, you can now go wherever you want without leaving your house. It might not be the best situation to spend time with your family through an electronic device, but if it is the best option you have, you can explore it. Reach out to your family members through video calls and unwrap your gifts together. You can also call them on Christmas day and send them virtual cards.
Always remember that being alone does not mean you are unworthy. Think of yourself and how you can enjoy the little joys that come with Christmas.