Spending Xmas solo when you really wish you weren’t?
Spending Xmas day solo can feel overwhelming and terribly long when all you want is that lovely jubbly family and friends sourrounded by glorious food and presents you see in the movies. Alas, reality hits for this year and it becomes clear that a day by yourself is either the only option or the best option (spending the day with other people is not always the ideal option!).
Whether it’s a family debacle, travelling for work, or you simply find yourself solo on Xmas day and kinda wishing you weren’t, here are some ideas.
1-
Plan the day ahead
I only say this because it will keep you off the socials and popping the wine at 10.30am whilst downing a pudding and custard, leaving you feeling even more terrible by midday. Even if your Christmas is cancelled late Xmas Eve or on Dec 25th itself, get a little game plan together of what you will do on the day.
You may be keen to be super productive ahead of the New Year with planning goals and doing washing, but if you’re feeling a bit down and out, keep it simple.
2-
Plan your snacks and food (+ buy on Xmas Eve if you can)
I only say this so you actually eat something kinda healthy on the day. So instead of eating a bag chips for breakfast which you thought would soothe your soul, get to the store for some decent meals and yummy snacks.
In Australia most places are closed on Xmas Day, but more and more stuff is staying open. All you really need is a convenience store and/or a takeaway place. Google is your friend.
3-
When you get up, get out of bed
Without sounding like your mum, get out of bed, make the bed and put clothes on - even if it’s your comfies. Open the blinds and if it’s not too chilly or hot open the windows (juggling this USA, UK and Australian readership!). It’s a new day and you will feel better for it - even if you crawl back into bed early afternoon.
4-
Send some Christmas cheer to your mates
Sending your friends a Merry Xmas on the day will spread the love and make you feel a little less alone. If you’re spending the day solo because of #drama you don’t have to go into it, but I am sure that a few of your friends will be looking down the barrel of dealing with a few unwanted family members so will appreciate the love from you. A DM, post or SMS is all you need!
5-
Go for a walk or run
If you can get outdoors, do it.
A bit of exercise will make you feel better. Aim for 30 minutes of walking.
6-
Keep off the socials if it makes you feel terrible
Just put the show on the TV and turn the phone off. Your soul will thank you. Today and in the future.
7-
Feeling sad is just one of our many emotions. And it’s okay to feel that way
You don’t have to decide to have a terrible day. You can still have good parts.
Feeling a tad lonely on Christmas Day is often wrapped up with other emotions. Emptiness, nostalgia, regret, anger, frustration, sadness.
We experience a wide range of emotions. And it’s actually okay to sit with the negative ones and let them wash over you (here’s an article which says this much more eloquently than I! https://nickwignall.com/scheduled-sadness/)
Just choose stuff that will make you feel better - not worse. Sad music and the likes doesn’t help, but neither does trying to feign happiness. Just let the day be what it will be.
And if you have a thought that doesn’t nourish or support you - you can always say “I don’t have to think about this right now” and choose another thought.
8-
It’s called a Holiday. So relax + chill
You don’t need to clean the whole house or get ahead on the washing. Or try and solve the world’s or your families problems today.
You are 100% allowed to just mooch on the couch and escape through technology.
Put that phone on airplane mode.
Slather on a face mask.
Read some interesting blogs or books.
Naps are also encouraged.
At the end of the day, it’s another Wednesday or Thursday despite what the stores will tell you. The sun will rise and set, and this too shall pass.
Have a slow, chill day with the coolest person you know - you.
