SOLO ALONE FOR THE HOLIDAYS

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR SOLITUDE DURING THE HOLIDAYS BY CELEBRATING WITH THESE CREATIVE IDEAS.

The holiday season is supposedly a happy and joyous time spent in the company of loved ones. Christmas songs, movies, and commercials promote the idea of family and friends celebrating together. But suppose there is no one in your life?

Many people do not have family or friends nearby. It’s often too difficult and expensive to travel a great distance for a few short days. Some people prefer to be alone, finding it too stressful to participate in large gatherings. For others, the “family Christmas festivities” can be a big headache.

Is it possible to have a merry Christmas all by yourself? Here are some ways “loners” can still merrily celebrate the holidays.

Be your own secret Santa

Start getting ready for Christmas early. Do a bit of online shopping and pick out some gifts for yourself. When the parcels arrive, gift wrap them without opening them. Store them until it’s time to put them under your tree or near your fireplace. Then open them on Christmas Day. This way, you receive just what you wanted!

Decorate your home

Fill your home with decorations that evoke the spirit of Christmas. Buy a tree or a few spruce boughs at the florist. Light incense or candles with Christmas scents such as bayberry, holly, or cedar — or just pick your favorites.

Visit craft shows, browse website likes Etsy and eBay, or look in gardening stores and gift shops for decoration ideas. Try a different type of decor for each room. You might have medieval angels, Victorian scenes, Santa Claus drinking a soda, or whatever you like. One of the nicest things about living alone is you don’t have the stress of endless compromising and arguments. You can change or add to your designs whenever you wish.

Making your own decorations can give you a sense of accomplishment and personal engagement. Buy some holiday cookie cutters and glitter paint. Whip up some homemade flour dough and cut out and paint some nice shapes. They can be some of the presents you give yourself.

Do some cooking

Don’t forget holiday food! Make traditional fare or something outlandish you’ve always wanted to try. Stock a good supply of cider, tea, cocoa, or coffee. Sit in your most comfortable chair and read, listen to music, or watch TV or DVDs — anything you like and not necessarily Christmas shows. Make sure to choose whatever you enjoy.

Contact friends and relatives

If there are people you’d love to see but they are too far away to visit, call them. Staying in touch by phone and computer is easier and cheaper than ever. Send season’s greetings and pictures through email. Make a CD of your favorite Christmas songs and mail them to everyone instead of greeting cards. Make homemade greeting cards with your own art or scrapbook collages. Buy inexpensive cards and gifts online and let your loved ones know you remember them even if you cannot be there.

Be sociable

If you are not alone by choice, or you find you do want to be with other people after all, see if your community or apartment complex is holding a get-together. You can take cookies or cider and get to know your neighbors. Or invite your neighbors over to your place to sample some of those cookies you made. You might be surprised to find they are looking for some company, too.

If you yearn to embrace the spiritual meaning of Christmas, find a church that is holding late-night Christmas Eve celebrations. Many religions, as well as non-denominational churches, have special services throughout the holidays. Another way to connect with people in a true Christmas spirit is to volunteer at a soup kitchen, homeless shelter, nursing home, or hospital.

Find an animal friend

If you are thinking about getting an animal companion, do it about two weeks after the holidays. People often get puppies and kittens as Christmas gifts and then give them away when the children lose interest. Shelters, rescue centers, and pet foster homes quickly become flooded with these rejected sweethearts. Just make sure you have enough time and money to invest in the care of a pet and then begin your search.