The festive season can highlight the aspects of a person’s life that they find difficult, stirring feelings of loneliness, grief, or isolation. According to Google Trend Data, the search term, spending Christmas alone has received a 309.75% uplift in the past month alone. Such an uplift signals that much of the UK is planning to spend Christmas Day alone.
Here, Emily Carr at CreateGiftLove presents what to do when spending Christmas alone, and how it can be empowering.
The Gift of Freedom
First things first, reframe the typical Christmas stereotype. Ultimately, no matter how a person spends Christmas, their intention is to feel joy, and there is no reason that you can’t feel joy when spending Christmas alone. Christmas Day is a chance to press pause on fast-paced 21st century life, and spending the day alone presents a rare opportunity where you can do whatever you want, whenever you want.
Empower the day by making a list of activities that you always want to do but never have the chance to. Whether it’s reading a book, partaking in some meditation or even cleaning. If it gives you a sense of accomplishment or joy – put it on the list!
Structure the day
If you are dreading spending Christmas Day alone, it can be easy to put off thinking about it. Instead, structure the day so you know exactly what you’re going to do and when you’re going to do it. This will avoid a sense of boredom kicking in or negative feeling.
Gift yourself with something you would never usually buy
Recent research reveals that 82% of the UK has experienced buyer’s remorse at some point in 2023. If you are spending Christmas alone, it doesn’t mean that you cannot receive gifts. Purchase a gift for yourself that you wouldn’t usually, large, or small. Don’t open it until Christmas Day and even wrap it to make it feel extra special.
Guilt Free Self Care
Empower the day by declaring it a guilt free 24 hours. If you can’t be bothered or are not a fan of a roast dinner, make your favourite meal instead. Binge watch your favourite TV shows with your favourite snacks, have a bath with candles – Do all your favourite things, and do not feel guilty about it.
Remove the Thief of Joy
Stay away from social media for the day. Chances are your connections are going to be posting the highlights of their day. Remember, these are just their highlights. If social media is likely to rob the day of joy, delete the apps for the day.
Look Up
Research shows that surrounding yourself with nature can improve your mental wellbeing and see your whole body relax. It lowers the stress hormone cortisol and has even been shown to lower blood pressure. Scheduling in a walk when spending Christmas alone can boost your mood and chat to other people.
24 Hours
Remember, Christmas Day has the same 24 hours as any other day of the year and you don’t have to celebrate it at all. If you feel that acknowledging the day will conjure to many negative feelings, refrain from celebrating it at all.
