Dealing with Loneliness During the Holidays

We celebrate most holidays with family and close friends. These special days in the year provide opportunities for joy and good times with others. But what can you do when you are alone at the holidays?

Alone or Lonely?

Being alone at the holidays can be a welcome change for some. Maybe you thrive in solitude and have been looking forward to being away from others for a while. If this is you, enjoy your time of quiet relaxation and refreshment.

But what if you are lonely at the holidays? Perhaps you feel isolated because of your separation from loved ones. Maybe you are away due to work or school, have an empty nest, or are separated due to disagreement, divorce, or death.

Perhaps the approaching holiday even provokes feelings of dread, hopelessness, and anxiety. You expect times of sadness and depression mourning what you have lost or never had. Maybe you feel unloved, like others simply don’t care.

What is a lonely person to do?

Things You Can Do by Yourself

This season can be a time of peace and healing if you intentionally shift your mindset. Choose to make the best use of the time you’ve been given. Reflect on what you are thankful for this year. Gratitude can benefit you by improving your outlook and creating better relationships with others.

Why not send holiday greeting cards to express your appreciation to others? You could also give gifts like homemade cookies or sweet bread.

In addition, here are more ways you can invest your time this holiday season:

• Revisit the past by looking through photo albums. Allow feelings of joy and sadness as you remember the events of your life.
• Prepare a beautiful meal for yourself to celebrate the holiday.
• Read or listen to great books. Select some classic literature or something that piques your curiosity.
• Learn a new skill and be inspired by the fascinating things other people do.
• Take a break from your routine and seek new experiences and traditions.
• Get out of your home and visit a natural setting like a forest or a beach.

How to Include Others

If you don’t want to be alone, be proactive and build out your schedule. When people ask you about your holiday plans, be honest with them, and accept their invitations to join them.

Others are alone too. Be sensitive to the needs of the people around you. What can you do to encourage them this holiday season? Seek to be a blessing and you will be blessed in return.

• Look for public events to attend and invite others to go with you.
• Host a special event in your home, perhaps for a meal or a time of games and fun.
• Call others to wish them well.
• When you talk with others, ask questions of them, be curious, and listen to their stories.
• Look for places where you could volunteer to serve others.

Enjoy the Holiday

This holiday season, you do not have to be alone if you do not want to be. Turn your loneliness into opportunities to enjoy the good things in your life. You can also bless others by your presence and encouragement. Happy holidays and Merry Christmas!