Embracing the Holidays When You're Alone

While some people are filled with excitement at the very thought of the approaching holidays, others, particularly those who are alone, are often filled with dread as the leaves fall and the cool winds blow. The holidays can be a lonely, even depressing time when you have no one to share them with; however, it's great to be single and you don't have to let your single status rob you of the joy that you so rightly deserve during this special time of year. It's all about attitude and choices. You can choose to sit around and feel sad you're alone. Or you can find things to do, for yourself or for others, concentrate on the season and the good things in your life, and then 'allow' yourself to be happy, just the way you are today.

Spend Time With Others

Even when you don't have family nearby to spend the holidays with, it doesn't mean you can't enjoy the company of others. Attend a religious service at a local church or synagogue. Volunteer at a food pantry, soup kitchen or homeless shelter, and bring joy to those who are in greater need than you are. Accept the invitations of friends and co-workers. Just because they're not relatives doesn't mean you can't enjoy their company at the occasional party or holiday get-together. No one special to shop for? Shop for children's toys and donate them and/or your time at a local charity that provides gifts for needy children or families.

Embrace Being Alone

Take advantage of being alone. Rather than looking at the holidays as a sad occasion, make the day all about you. Order a special carryout meal, or prepare a tasty feast of your own. Plan something special like a holiday movie extravaganza or listen to your favorite holiday songs on the radio. Soak in a hot bath, give yourself a facial or soak your feet in the new foot spa you bought yourself as a holiday present.

Plan for the Future

Even if this year hasn't turned out exactly as you planned, there's always next year. Realize that the holidays will be over soon and a new year will begin. Draw up a list of things you want to accomplish, meditate and visualize your success in the new year and fill yourself with hope and expectation for your future.

Get Away From It All

When the thought of being alone for the holidays is simply more than you can bear, plan a trip out of town. Head for the sunny shores of California or Florida, travel across Europe or explore the wilds of Africa on a cross-continent safari. Alternatively, take a holiday cruise on a luxurious ocean liner, swish down the ski slopes, attend a religious retreat at a local monastery or book a room at a working dude ranch.

Work on a Special Project

One of the best ways to avoid dwelling on being alone during the holidays is to focus on a special project you've been meaning to tackle for a long time. Make a serious start on that novel you've always wanted to write, paint a room, clean some closets, organize photos into a scrap book, knit a warm, fuzzy afghan to keep you warm during the blustery months of January and February or practice working with oil paints to paint a snowy holiday scene. You may become so immersed in your project that you forget to feel lonely after all.

No matter how you spend your holidays, realize that being alone doesn't have to mean being lonely. By focusing your attention on the pleasurable aspects of life, you will soon realize that you have a lot to be thankful for this holiday season, even if it's not exactly the way you'd like it to be.