Finding Joy in Being Alone This Christmas

Most people will be blessed this year. They’ll be traveling to spend time with family and friends, reuniting with loved ones, and enjoying all the traditions of the holiday with the ones that mean the most to them. Unfortunately, not everyone will have this luxury. For many people, the holidays don’t bring the joy and happiness touted in the media and all the Christmas stories. For many, it’s a depressing and lonely time. Some have lost loved ones recently, some won’t be seeing their families as they have in years past. The different reasons don’t make the season any easier.
If you fall into this category though, take heart. There are things you can do to make the Holidays a bit less gloomy if you’re spending them alone. While it might not be the same as the holidays of the past that you’re used to, with a bit of your own good cheer, you can make it bearable.

1. Sign up to work: Many companies, especially ones in the retail world, are staying open even on Christmas Day. While there are a good many critics of this practice, if you happen to work for one of these companies, sign up to put in a workday. Not only will you not have to spend the day alone at home, but you’ll be making some extra money in the process. If you do work for a store, take advantage of the interaction with others. You might not have a lot of customers, but perhaps some of the ones you do have are spending their holiday the same way. Greet everyone with a smile and a general well wish and you’ll find your spirits lifted a great deal.

2. Volunteer: Sometimes helping others is really all you need to be fulfilled. Community centers and homeless shelters usually have a Christmas dinner to benefit those less fortunate than everyone else. Help them out. Giving your time will feel like the best gift you could give. You’ll be around people to ease your own loneliness, and seeing those around you who have no family to go to even if they could will put your own situation into perspective.