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Christmas is often seen as a family holiday, but if you have to spend the day alone, whether by choice or otherwise, it does not have to be a bad thing. While the fear of missing out can certainly get in the way, there are ways you can relieve loneliness and enjoy some me-time.
Being alone does not have to feel lonely. This is an opportunity for you to wind down and prioritize yourself. Here are delightful ways to spend a cosy Christmas in solitude.
1. Make Yourself a Warm Cup of Cocoa
What is Christmas without a signature cup of hot chocolate? Prepare for a festive day by getting hot chocolate powder from the nearby supermarket. Feel free to enjoy the drink any time of the day as you are cuddled up by the couch.
To enhance the flavour, you can top the rich cocoa with colourful and fluffy marshmallows or whipped cream for a fully gratifying experience.
2. Have a (Christmas) Movie in Line
There are plenty of delightful and comedic holiday movies over the years that are perfect for a stay-in Christmas. Take a look at the popular holiday movie lists online before choosing the one you would like to watch on Christmas day.
Notable titles include the unforgettable classic 90s comedy Home Alone, the 2010s blockbuster The Night Before featuring the hilarious Seth Rogan, and Netflix Christmas special The Princess Switch that comes with 2 heartwarming sequels. You can even binge-watch them all!
If Christmas movies are not your cup of tea, you can also spend the day catching up on other exciting series now that you have the free time.
3. Treat Yourself
Being by yourself on Christmas day does not mean you cannot have a good time. Give yourself permission to indulge in a sumptuous meal that treats your taste buds. What kind of food have you been craving lately? Is it pizza, pasta, or something more local like laksa or wanton mee? Complete the meal with a drink you love, like bubble tea or juice. With so many delivery apps, it is easy to receive them all at your doorstep.
Being generous to yourself is not limited to food. You can also treat yourself by buying clothes you have been eyeing for a long time, or by purchasing a book you would like to read. Do not deny yourself gifts just because you are spending the holiday alone.
4. Take a Walk Outside
If remaining at home all day is a little boring for you, you can take a walk outside and enjoy some fresh air. Parks are great for you to spend some alone time while getting a scenic view of the tranquil surroundings.
Fortunately, Singapore abounds in picturesque parks that are great for your health and are effective mood boosters. Punggol Waterway Park, MacRitchie Reservoir, Sengkang Riverside Park, and East Coast Park are among the many beautiful public parks that offer you a break from airconditioned places.
5. Have a Full Social Media Detox
Scrolling through social media on Christmas day can have a negative impact on mental health. As social media is a highlight reel where people generally try to showcase the best side of their day, looking through the seemingly happy posts on holidays can bring about a severe fear of missing out.
Have a full social media detox by staying away from the social media posts and focusing on the positives in your own life.
6. Interact Via Phone Call or Online Call
If your family and close friends are away and you miss them very much this holiday season, do not hesitate to reach out to them via phone call or a Zoom call. It may not match the intimacy of a face-to-face conversation, but just hearing the sound of your loved ones’ voices or meeting them online can help to increase the sense of connection.
You can even have a meal “together” by eating while having a Zoom session simultaneously. With the help of technology, there are many creative ways you can reach out to your long-distance friends and family members.
7. Enjoy Self-Care
You have worked hard the whole year. Now, the Christmas holiday is a great opportunity for you to take time off and relax with self-care practices. Whether it is a relaxing full-body spa session that releases stress and tension, a hot bath with wine on the side, a manicure session, or a facial treatment, allow your mind to rest and your body to be pampered. You deserve it.
8. Read a Book
Reading is one of the best ways to spend some me-time. You can peruse a lighthearted holiday book, like popular reads from Irish novelist Cecelia Ahern or self-help books like the You’re a Badass series by Jen Sincero to inspire you this Christmas. They will instantly perk up your day.
If you do not feel like spending on books, you can also head over to the nearby library to read to your heart’s content.
9. Put on Soothing Music
If you find that the house is a little quiet, you can put on some soothing music to liven up the mood. They can be Christmas carols, but they do not have to be. If you are yearning for music that is more relaxing, you can search for jazz playlists or Lo-fi beats that are effective at bringing about a peaceful and calming atmosphere.
There are plenty of options on YouTube from the channels Lofi Girl and Relax Cafe Music. Let them serenade you this Christmas day.
10. Keep a Gratitude List
It is easy to focus on what you are lacking and find yourself comparing to what other people have this holiday season, you can write down things you feel grateful for this year to remind yourself of what you already have. Perhaps it is your health, your colleagues, the new friends you made this year, or a new hobby you have picked up.
List down as many people and things you feel truly thankful for this year. Keep it and look at the list whenever you need solace. It is a guaranteed way to brighten up your day.
11. Make a Simple Christmas Dish
While you may not want to involve yourself in the preparation of a heavy Christmas feast, you can still have fun making a simple dish. Perhaps it is the creamy mushroom soup you have been wanting to try making for a long time or desserts like waffles or pancakes that come with easy recipes.
Being involved in the creation of the dish allows you to enjoy both the process and the results. Throw some creativity into the mix as you season the dish the way you like it.
12. Feel Free to Not Celebrate
If you are not a fan of Christmas or simply do not find yourself in a festive mood, feel free to not celebrate and go about your day as though it is just an ordinary time of the year. Do not feel pressured to do something related to Christmas if it is not something that you have in mind. After all, you get to decide what you want the holiday to mean, and spend it on your own terms.
13. Go for a Hobby
It is easy to get caught in the hustle and bustle of life. Years can pass by in the blink of an eye and we may not get to do much of what we enjoy. As you have the time to yourself this holiday season, you can take the time to participate in a hobby you love.
Whether it is creating an artwork, singing, dancing or writing, going for a hobby you enjoy can calm your mind and give your mood a boost.
14. Get Sporty
While you may feel the urge to just isolate yourself and hide under the blankets, getting active can enhance your mood a lot more than shutting things out. Exercising raises your level of endorphins, which in turn leads to a betterment in mood. So take out your yoga mat and work on some moves, have a jog in the park, or perhaps head to the gym to sweat it out.
15. Go to an Art Gallery
Art galleries are known for their quiet and reflective ambience that can put you in a meditative mood. They are great to explore on your own, as you can fully take in the various artworks without disruption. Visit your friendly neighbourhood art galleries or go to a bigger one downtown. Either way, be sure to check if their hours change on Christmas day!
Choose the activities that resonate with you be your own best company this Christmas. Have a jolly holiday!
A Word from A Space Between
People are expected to be happy during the holiday season, but if you find yourself struggling during this time, do not hesitate to reach out for help. A Space Between has established itself as a safe and trustworthy facility for therapy, offering you a range of counsellors from varied fields.
Our free client-matching service allows you to see each therapist’s specialty and be recommended the ones that cater to your unique needs. Find a private therapist today.
Sources:
https://www.countryliving.com/uk/wellbeing/a34938891/spending-christmas-alone/
https://www.timeout.com/singapore/things-to-do/the-prettiest-parks-in-singapore
https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/relationships-love/a29590722/alone-on-christmas/
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/exercise-and-mood
Yimin is open to new experiences and perspectives. She is most passionate about psychology and creative writing and hopes to publish a novel someday.
