Don’t be lonely this Christmas Day: Ideas for one

There is so many people in our community here today that will spend Christmas Day on their own, or as a couple without family around.  For some it is the first time, after losing a loved one, for others it is just another Christmas alone.  Some love it, and some are really saddened by the idea of being alone.

Judging by the comments on our Facebook page yesterday there are many people in our community setting up for a lonely Christmas, so we took the time to look around for things people do to make their Christmas more special when they are alone.  I hope this helps.

First of all, it seems important to consider why you are alone.  Are you alone because your kids live too far away for you to travel and join them for the day? Because you are restricted financially or because you have an illness or disability that means you cannot travel?   Or are you alone because you have had a bad experience before and disappointed in Christmas and have not made an effort to get out and find something meaningful to do?

Some people are incredibly satisfied being alone, comfortable to live in their own company “because they choose to”; while others are desperately lonely and feel sad about being alone on such a traditionally “family day”.

Here are a few things you might consider to make Christmas more enjoyable if your Christmas Day finds you unhappily alone…

Find other people who are also on their own.  

Contact your single or childless friends or those who live a long way from their families and ask them what they are doing to celebrate Christmas.  It might well be that your friends or neighbours are also dreading Christmas on their own and would keenly partake in a jovial, shared Christmas lunch or dinner.

Wherever you are, there will be people on their own just looking for an opportunity to connect with others.

Arrange your own Christmas dinner or throw a spontaneous party. You can of course use social media websites such as Facebook and Twitter to conjure up your own impromptu get together.

Of course be selective about who you invite and be very clear and specific about what your guests should bring or not bring. The party doesn’t have to be at your home – it could be some hotel or club to make it easier to bring lesser known people together.

Call a friend and ask to come to their Christmas Meal

If you are going to be on your own, then let others know that this is the case. Ask friends what they are doing – and let them subtly know you are going to be on your own.

People are quite generous with sharing their families and Christmas festivities – give them a chance to do so.

Of course do take along a gift or a dish – and let them know in advance of your dietary restrictions if any.

Do something to help other people 

One of the best things you can do if you are alone around Christmas time is to help others.

For example you can help out at a soup kitchen, visit an aged care home or help at a shelter and you will positively impact quite a few lives

A few years ago my friend told me of an amazing day she had delivering Christmas food hampers and gifts to needy families in London. She said it was a truly humbling experience she will always remember.  That seeing the awe, wonder and sheer joy on the faces of little children whose Christmas had just been changed dramatically was worth every minute.

If you ever get a chance to do something similar, please take it up.

The point is that it takes so little to make a difference to others. People may be going through “difficult” times and yet they have so much dignity, love and humanity in them. And to see the innocence, hope and beauty on the faces of the children affected just breaks your heart.

My local Church runs a food van, or call your local Salvos or Aged care centre and offer to help out.  You might find the company you were missing.

Head to Church.

People don’t just go to Church for the religion, sometimes they go for the sense of community and for the people they can enjoy the company of.  Most Churches have Christmas Eve services, as well as morning, afternoon and evening services on Christmas Day.  A lovely way to be around people and feel the true spirit of Christmas.

Set yourself up for a party of one or two

There is nothing saying you have to dislike having Christmas on your own.  In fact, with a bit of preparation, it can be not too shabby.  You can prepare yourself a meal of prawns, turkey and champagne.  Plan a day with a movie in the afternoon or a day trip to the beach, and truly enjoy the special treat you give yourself.  Decorate your table, put some carols on, and do whatever makes you happy.

Go to the movies

Many movie cinemas are open on Christmas Day giving you something entertaining to do that might take your mind off being alone, if you are struggling with it.

And finally, call your loved ones.  

Even if you are spending Christmas alone, it doesn’t mean you have to be lonely.  With beautiful tools like Skype, family and friends on the other side of the world are a short button press away.

The important thing is, that if you are worried about being lonely on Christmas, plan ahead.  Find things to do that will help you overcome your loneliness and you might just find Christmas takes on a whole lot more meaning.

Share your ideas for staying busy, or feeling less alone at Christmas today

image: Boris Bartels