Just because you’re going to spend Christmas alone doesn’t mean you have to be miserable. There are plenty of ways to make the day really special even if you’re only enjoying your own company. Try the following — you’d be surprised at what a big difference it can make to your holiday spirit.
1. Fill up your living space with some festive decor.
You have to set the scene! Just because you’re flying solo this Christmas doesn’t mean your place has to look like you forgot what month it is. Throw up some festive decor – and I mean whatever makes you happy. Tinsel, fairy lights, a mini tree, or hey, even just a couple of those cinnamon-scented candles. It’s all about what feels good to you. Decorating on your own terms can be surprisingly fun. No need to impress anyone or follow tradition. If a Christmas cactus instead of a tree is what does it for you, then rock that cactus with pride.
2. Pop on your guilty pleasure Christmas movies and TV specials.
It’s the perfect time to binge-watch all those Christmas movies and TV specials you secretly love (or love to hate). No judgment here. Whether it’s the cheesy rom-coms where everyone ends up in a snow globe somehow, or the classic cartoons you’ve seen a million times, it’s your marathon. Pop some popcorn, get comfy, and enjoy the show. And the best part? No one’s there to argue over what to watch next. Bliss.
3. Make your favorite holiday foods and pig out solo.
Cooking for one? More like a feast for one. Make your favorite holiday foods, whatever they are. Turkey, ham, a mountain of mashed potatoes, or just a bunch of those little sausages wrapped in bacon. This is your chance to cook without worrying about anyone else’s likes or dislikes. You want to experiment with a weird recipe? Go for it. Want to keep it simple with frozen pizza but with some cranberry sauce on the side? Why the heck not. The only person you need to please is yourself. (That being said, if you do want someone to share snacks with next year, check out our sister site, Sweetn. They have some game-changing advice on how to upgrade your love life. They’re over here, if you’re curious.)
4. Create your own holiday playlist, skipping all the annoying “classics.”
Create a holiday playlist that’s actually bearable. Sick of ‘Jingle Bells’? Skip it. Want to throw in some non-Christmas songs? Do it. This is your playlist, your rules. Mix in whatever gets you in a good mood. Maybe it’s Christmas jazz, maybe it’s rock, or maybe it’s just one song on repeat. Who cares? As long as it keeps your spirits up, it’s the right choice.
5. Read a Christmas-themed book or novel, if that’s your thing.
If you’re the reading type, this is a great time to dive into a Christmas-themed book or novel. Choose something that feels right for you – a heartwarming tale, a holiday mystery, or even a Christmas horror story (if that exists). Reading is a fantastic way to enjoy your own company and get lost in another world. And the best part? No holiday small talk. Just you, a good book, and maybe a glass of wine or a mug of hot cocoa. Perfection.
6. Take a walk to check out your neighbors’ Christmas lights and decorations.
Get out of the house and take a stroll around your neighborhood to check out the Christmas lights and decorations. It’s a free show and honestly, sometimes it’s better than anything on TV. You’ll be amazed at how creative some people get. It’s like a little adventure, you never know what you’re going to see next. Maybe it’s a house lit up like a runway or a front yard full of inflatable reindeer. It’s a simple pleasure, but hey, simple pleasures are often the best ones.
7. Do a Christmas-themed puzzle or craft project.
Feeling crafty or want to challenge your brain? Dive into a Christmas-themed puzzle or craft project. It’s a chill way to pass the time and get into a festive mood. Plus, it’s oddly satisfying to put that last piece of the puzzle in place or finish up a craft project. It’s just you, your creativity, and maybe some glue and glitter. It’s a great way to zone out and relax. And who knows, you might just surprise yourself with your puzzle-solving or crafting skills.
8. Grab a cheap pack of holiday cards and pop one through your neighbors’ doors.
Spread a little holiday cheer in a low-key way. Grab a pack of cheap holiday cards and write a quick note to your neighbors. Then, just pop them through their doors. It’s a small gesture, but it can mean a lot, especially to someone who might be feeling lonely during the holidays. Plus, it’s a nice way to feel connected to your community without having to engage in long conversations or attend social gatherings.
9. Treat yourself to a special gift or indulgence you’ve been desperate for.
This one’s important: treat yourself. Been eyeing something special for a while? Now’s the time to get it for yourself. It could be anything – a gadget, a piece of clothing, a fancy bottle of something, or even just a really good pizza. The point is to indulge in something that makes you happy. It’s a way of celebrating the holiday in your own way, and reminding yourself that you deserve good things.
10. Volunteer for a local charity or community event — a lot of people are in need at this time of year.
The holidays can be tough for a lot of people, and your help could make a big difference. It’s also a great way to meet new people and feel connected to something bigger than yourself. Plus, helping others is a surefire way to boost your mood and feel a sense of accomplishment. You don’t have to commit to something huge; even a few hours can have a big impact.
11. Attend a virtual Christmas concert or event.
Just because you’re solo doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a bit of festive entertainment. Check out a virtual Christmas concert or event. There are plenty of them streaming online. Find something that suits your taste, whether it’s classical music, a rockin’ Christmas band, or a community sing-along. It’s a great way to feel connected to the holiday spirit without leaving your couch. Plus, you can enjoy it in your pajamas, and that’s always a win.
12. Take festive photos or a self-portrait in a Christmas setting.
Grab your phone or camera and have a mini photo shoot. Deck yourself out in something festive, find a nice spot in your decorated space, and snap away. It’s fun, it lets you unleash some creativity, and you’ll have some cool photos to look back on. Don’t worry about getting the perfect shot; just have fun with it. Who knows, you might just capture your new favorite profile pic.
13. Try out a new hobby or activity you’ve been interested in but haven’t had time for.
Got some free time? Perfect opportunity to try out that new hobby or activity you’ve been curious about. Always wanted to learn how to knit? Go for it. Interested in painting, cooking, or coding? Now’s the time. It’s all about doing something that interests you, something that you’ve been putting off. No pressure, no expectations, just you exploring something new. It’s a great way to make the holiday your own and maybe discover a new passion.
14. Reflect on the year and journal your thoughts and experiences.
Take some time to reflect on the past year. Grab a journal and write down your thoughts and experiences. It’s a way to process everything that’s happened, the good and the bad. Writing it down can be really therapeutic. It’s also a great way to see how far you’ve come and start thinking about what you want for the next year. It’s a quiet, introspective activity that can be really meaningful.
15. Practice self-care activities like a spa day at home.
Last but definitely not least: self-care. Turn your place into a mini spa. Run a bath, throw in some bubbles or a bath bomb, light some candles, and just relax. Maybe do a face mask, give yourself a manicure, or just lounge around in a comfy robe. It’s all about treating yourself and enjoying some quiet, relaxing time. It’s a perfect way to unwind and take care of yourself during the holiday hustle.
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