It is Christmas in just a few days. Then New Year’s Eve, then the New Year. While these occasions are often synonymous with joy, laughter, and shared moments with loved ones, for some, they can also amplify feelings of loneliness and isolation. If you face this holiday season with no family support or very few friends, it’s important to recognize that you are not alone in this loneliness. The pressure to partake in these festivities can be overwhelming, but amidst all the lights and festive decorations, you MUST prioritize self-care and self-love. This blog post is a guide for those feeling alone during the holiday season and offers tips on cultivating self-love during this time, even when external support may be limited.
Disclaimer: The content provided in this blog post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your mental health or a medical condition. Reliance on any information this blog provides is solely at your own risk. I or the website assumes no responsibility or liability for any consequence resulting directly or indirectly from any action or inaction you take based on the information in this blog post. While efforts are made to keep the information up to date and accurate, please be aware that the mental health field is constantly evolving, and new research may impact the understanding of various concepts discussed in this post.
The year 2023 was the most eye-opening year I have experienced. I could go on all day about it, but here is a link to a video I posted a couple of months back that can explain 1/4th of why this was an eye-opening year for me.
With that said, I have also experienced a lot of loneliness this year. Sometimes, I would really enjoy being alone and keep myself busy with hobbies that I love, but a lot of the time, the silence and isolation depressed me and glued me to my bed for hours on end. For the past years, I’ve had little to no communication with my parents, which has taken a huge toll on my mental health. We’ve tried to see eye-to-eye on things but it never worked out and it was becoming a never-ending toxic cycle. My parents and I decided that little to no communication was the best approach to our relationship for right now. Because of having no support from family and having very few friends who I don’t see often, it is hard to not feel lonely during the holidays. Here are a few tips on how I am dealing with this:
1. Embrace Your Feelings
Acknowledging and embracing your feelings of loneliness is the first step toward healing. It’s okay to feel a sense of sadness or longing during the holidays, and suppressing these emotions can be counterproductive. Permit yourself to feel, and understand that your emotions are valid.
Listen, it is healthy to cry. It is healthy to feel those emotions and understand them. To be honest, I do this quite often. Cry. After crying, I feel a lot better (after scrolling through some inspirational feed of course). Cry your heart out, then go make your bed and hang your clothes!
Journaling or expressing your feelings through creative outlets like art or music can also help. As a musician and artist myself, it is a healthy way for me to express my emotions as well as validate my self-worth.
2. Appreciate The Present Moment
The holiday season has a unique way of nudging us to reflect on the past and anticipate the future. However, it’s equally important to focus on the present moment. Take a deep breath and acknowledge where you are right now.
Sometimes we can become so busy comparing ourselves to other people’s lives, seeing that they are with their families for the holidays, watching on snap stories of how many Christmas parties they are attending with their friends. You need to start realizing that the life you are living now is actually a dream to others.
Embrace the solitude as an opportunity for self-discovery. Practice the act of giving, self-reflection, and being grateful. Consider the things that bring you joy and incorporate them into your holiday celebration, even if it means doing so in solitude.
3. Set Realistic Expectations
The holidays are often portrayed as picture-perfect moments filled with laughter and joy. However, set realistic expectations for yourself. Instead of comparing your situation to pictures you see on social media, focus on creating meaningful experiences within your circumstances.
If you attempt to create meaningful experiences but things don’t go exactly as planned, remember to be gentle with yourself and to prioritize the activities and experiences that will make the holidays a wholesome experience for you.
4. Create Your Own Traditions
Even if you don’t have a big group of family or friends around during the holidays, you can still make your special traditions. For me, I don’t have a ton of traditions, but there are a few that complete my holiday season. I always decorate a gingerbread house. I believe this year, a few friends and I are going to host a gingerbread competition! I also like driving around my neighborhood and around my city to see all the pretty Christmas decorations – the lights and festive displays just make everything feel magical. And, of course, I listen to classic Christmas songs every day of the month to get into the holiday spirit. You can make these traditions your own by adding your touch – like baking special treats, having virtual get-togethers, or doing something kind for others. As you enjoy the holiday season, think about creating your own traditions that make this time of year special for you.
5. Volunteer and Give Back To Your Community
One powerful way to combat loneliness is by giving back to others. Many communities offer volunteer opportunities during the holidays, providing a chance to connect with like-minded individuals and contribute to a greater cause.
Engaging in acts of kindness can bring a sense of purpose and fulfillment, fostering self-love through positive actions.
6. Connecting in Unexpected Places
Meaningful connections can be found in unexpected places. Consider reaching out to acquaintances that you haven’t heard from in a while, colleagues that you grew apart from, or your next-door neighbors.
Attend local events or join online communities that align with your interests. Get active on social media (in a healthy manner) and seek like-minded individuals and communicate with them! The holiday season can catalyze new connections, reminding us that shared laughter and companionship can be discovered in the most unexpected corners of life.
If you are introverted and rather keep to yourself (as an introverted extrovert, I can relate!) remember that human connection is necessary. Always reach out.
7. Focus on Personal Growth
The holiday season can be an opportune time for self-reflection and personal growth. Use this period to set intentions for the upcoming year, explore new hobbies, or invest time in learning something new. By focusing on your personal development, you can build a stronger sense of self and reinforce your capacity for self-love. Before loving others, loving yourself is of utmost importance.
Set intentions for the upcoming one. Reflect on your growth, achievements, and challenges you’ve overcome. Don’t just plan.. DO!!! Start taking action on the intentions you’ve set for the new year, the new hobbies you want to explore, and the new skills you want to learn. End the year by nurturing a positive relationship with yourself so that you feel prepared for the new year.
Conclusion
Navigating the holiday season without significant family support or a large social circle can be challenging, but it’s also an opportunity for profound self-discovery and self-love. Remember that you are deserving of all the love in the world. The most meaningful relationship you can nurture is the one you have with yourself. We got this <3. Thank you for reading my first blog! Happy Holidays!
If you enjoyed this post, please share! Let me know in the comments about any tips you might have on how to deal with loneliness during the holidays.