Most years, I celebrate the Christmas holiday season by myself for three reasons. Most years, I celebrate the Christmas holiday season by myself for three reasons:
I am the sole survivor of my immediate family and have no children, nieces or nephews.
I’m semi-retired and work from home with few opportunities for holiday celebration with co-workers.
My closest friends all live out of state.
But no need to feel sorry for me. 😞
I’m excused from holiday-shopping stress. The few people I buy for are adults, so it’s gift cards all the way. Making use of credit card rewards is a smart way to purchase gift cards and avoid straining your holiday budget. Remember, it’s the gift that counts, not how much you spend.

This year I agreed to judge an office door-decorating contest for a previous employer. I enjoyed catching up with folks I knew and meeting the new staff. I had big fun choosing this door for first prize.
Although many have gotten away from it, I still send Christmas cards. Each year I swear I’m going to cut my list down but purging is a struggle. Stamps are starting to cost more than the cards. But Christmas cards are my way of maintaining longstanding friendships. I recall memories as I sign each card.
We all know the holiday season can be exhausting, especially when you’re a parent responsible for creating childhood memories. Not to mention, the past year’s work/life physical, mental and emotional demands can take a toll.
Whether by choice or circumstance, spending holidays alone is not such a bad idea. And there are plenty of ways to enjoy the choice. 💡
Share time with those you truly want to be with. Deciding to spend the holidays alone doesn’t mean being by yourself every hour of every day, but you can be selective about whose company you wish to keep. Schedule a lunch date with a person you want to catch up with. Call someone who’s been on your mind.
Decide how you want to follow traditions. I follow Christmas tradition according to how the mood suits me. Some years, I’m all in. A wreath goes on the door. I set up my 2-foot Christmas tree and place decorations all around my apartment. I always display my Christmas cards (I send, so I get). This past year, the wreath and the cards were it. The best part – I didn’t feel the least bit guilty!

Everything doesn’t have to be perfect. I saw a timely post reminding readers your house doesn’t have to be spotless for the new year. So, relax. Music to my ears. I’m not going to hell!
Include free time in your schedule. You’ll still have things you want to accomplish during holidays. But be sure to block out time to do something spontaneous. For example, I don’t watch television during the day, so during my free-time break I might catch an afternoon movie. You can read a book, walk around your neighborhood or try power napping (No such thing exists for me. A nap must last at least an hour and a half.) But you get the picture. The goal is to do something unplanned.
Celebrate gratitude. Take a few moments to think about what you’re thankful for, what you appreciate. Give yourself credit for a recent accomplishment, big or small. It doesn’t matter. You did it! Like an associate of mine says, “Brag on yourself.”
Keep these suggestions in mind the next time you’re alone during holiday time. You’ll be in good company, whether you’re by yourself or with others.
How would you spend a holiday break alone? Share in the comments.
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