10 Ways To Beat Loneliness This Holidays
Everywhere we look, Christmas is portrayed as the most joyful time of the year. But this isn’t always the case when we spend it alone. Sure, some people love having a quiet day to themselves. But pivotal days like this - where people reflect on family, purpose, and the past year, can leave us vulnerable. For some, feelings of loneliness, isolation, grief and regret can creep in. You may still want to spend the day alone, but it’s important you do this on your terms instead of feeling forgotten or left out.
If that’s you, then there are ways to celebrate and feel a part of something bigger. Here are some ideas:
Go to a community or church Christmas service or event
Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen, the Red Cross, an animal shelter or an environmental group
Attend a Christmas community lunch or dinner at the Salvos, Rotary, or a Lions Club
Have a virtual celebration with friends, set up a Zoom link and chat while you eat a nice meal or watch a Christmas movie
Visit the grave of a loved one, or do something to remember them
Treat yourself - make a meal or book at a restaurant for a special meal, take yourself out for a movie, or buy yourself a gift you’ve wanted
Research a topic or issue you’re interested in, and take an action step to support it
Get out in nature and go for a hike, a swim or cycle
Give a loved one or friend a call
Start your own tradition. The sky is the limit! Just take a look at the story of Jill Stark, who spoke to ABC about celebrating Christmas alone here.