While the holidays may be filled with fun, laughter and joyful family gatherings for many of us, for a variety of reasons many may be spending the holidays, or some part of them, alone. Especially with the pandemic, this may be truer than ever before.
The holidays often bring on the blues in people. Some may be remembering lost ones over the holidays, others just may find the pandemic isolation hitting them harder during this time of year. Or, if we aren’t in a good place ourselves, seeing all the laughter and joy around us may make us feel more lonely than ever. So how do we get out of the holiday funk?
Plan Ahead
Remember, a day is just a day. It’s what we make of it. So, if we know that the holidays likely are going to be filled with sad memories or bring on feelings of loneliness, lets try our best to fill these days with things we enjoy. Keeping ourselves busy can often be one of the best ways to get through a particularly challenging day.
My tip: Fill the days with things that you really enjoy. That take your mind to another place. For me, quite often that means a book from my favorite author. I could spend an entire day lost in a book. Puzzles are also a great way to pass the time, feeling progress as each piece fits in its place. Or perhaps it’s a day to binge your favorite television series!
Celebrate Yourself
No one said we can’t have a party of one during the holidays! Sometimes that can be the best party out there. It’s a great time to celebrate the wins of the year – we’ve all had them and perhaps didn’t have time in the moment to truly bask in the glory of them. Now can be that time!
And one of the biggest wins is YOU! You have undoubtedly brought love, light, and fun into the lives of those around you. This has probably meant more to them that you’ve realized. Take a moment and celebrate those very important wins! You are worth a celebration!
You are not Alone
If you are alone this holiday season, know that you are not alone in that loneliness. Many, especially this year, are flying solo for the holidays. Leverage your network if you do want to connect with others on this day – they may just need that personal connection from someone. Or, if you prefer to keep to yourself, shut off your phone and enjoy an uninterrupted day with your best friend – YOU!
Do you have the Holiday Blues?
What’s your strategy for combatting it? Is this year going to be the most challenging one yet given the pandemic for you? If so, do you have a plan to make the day go smoother?
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03 December 2020
I never have the holiday blues because I always love spending time with our family and friends. But this year I am worried I might experience it. We already stayed home for Thanksgiving and I hate the thought of missing a big Christmas too. Will have to use your tips to keep our moods up.
It sure is going to be a different holiday this year! I hope we all get through it okay and with a bit of cheer!
I have never suffered from the holiday blues before but I know other people who have. These are some really useful tips.
Thank you Kelly – I hope people find them helpful!
Oh, I think I may be in a minority here … I am actually a bit thankful for this year…. I’m not fond of these celebrations, they are a huge cause of stress, anxiety, tense situations.. that means that for me, staying in and reading a book or watching a movie with a glass of wine, alone, in the peace of my own home, no family or guests, is something I have been waiting for my whole life.
However, I can see so many ways in which your post is helpful and good for many so thank you for writing something for people who may need some encouraging words and help in the upcoming weeks.
It sounds like you are heading toward a wonderful holiday season Thebusyshelf – so happy for you!
I’ve never suffered from holiday blues but I do find myself feeling the affects of SAD around this time of year. Your tips are all so helpful and will definitely be useful to anyone who suffers from holiday blues!
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Thank you Faye – wishing you a very happy holiday season!
Nice post. I’ve never felt the holiday blues but the tips you shared are important especially celebrating yourself.
Selfcare is so so important!
I really liked your tops. I’m fortunate to have family right here but Christmas songs can bring tears to my eyes. Missing my dad is my first guess. So I hope people take your advice and celebrate themselves and know they are not alone.
Thank you Lorie – and thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. Happy holidays!
I feel like this is a statement that needs to be remembered: “if we aren’t in a good place ourselves, seeing all the laughter and joy around us may make us feel more lonely than ever.” It really can feel worse sometimes and that is often misunderstood by others.
I spend pretty much every holiday alone due to work and it’s something I’ve come to embrace. Instead of being sad about it, I’ve come to a place where I just celebrate in my own way and no longer focus on what I’m missing. Some holidays are harder than others, but I try and fill my alone holiday time with things I love (and a few extra treats doesn’t hurt either) 🙂
I love that Alison! Good for you! I tend to enjoy my unexpected moments of alone time as well!
I always enjoy my holiday and never felt the holiday blues before. But thank you for the tips! It’s really important 😀
You are welcome Merry – happy holidays!
uhh,holiday blues.. i really hate that feeling – i miss some of my relatives that aren’t with us anymore,and also,i have to spend my holidays working. terrible combo.
your post kinda helped me to feel a bit better tho,gonna implement some of the tips.
I’m glad you found it helpful Astrid – happy holidays to you!
Hey lisa! These tips are really helpful. Thankyou for sharing this. I have spent many holidays alone but not anymore ?
You are welcome – I’m glad you enjoyed the tips!
This is great advice! Holiday blues can be difficult, so it’s good to have tips on conquering them.
I agree – planning ahead for hard times definitely makes them easier!
I definitely get sad around the holidays. I’ve lived alone for 10 years, and while I have a big family who lives nearby, most of my nights are spent alone. I decorate because I feel like it would be worse if I didn’t, but December is often just a month I need to get through. If I had children it would be different, but even then, the high expectations of the holiday can be hard to live up to. The commercialism is definitely out of hand, and I think that contributes to a lot of sadness because you can’t match that Norman Rockwell level of celebration, no matter what your living situation. The same goes for people who are grieving over the loss of a loved one or those with money issues who are stressing about how to make Christmas nice for their families. Thanks for writing about such a relatable topic.
So very true Laura – great insights and share! Thank you!
This year it is going to be different for many people, clearly. I hope everyone will manage the best they can and your advice should be helpful!
I hope everyone has a great holiday as well! Different, most likely, but hopefully great!
I think this year we all have a bit of the blues, since the holidays have to look different. I hope next year is better! ❤️
I am really betting that it will be!