How to make the most of Christmas alone

Christmas Day is often described as the perfect opportunity to spend time with others. Be it family, friends or a partner, there is often the assumption that the best way to enjoy the festive period is with other people.

But what if this isn't your idea of a perfect Christmas? Or maybe it is but it's not possible for your to be with other people this year. Or, what if you hate this time of year and can't think of anything worse than being around people? Whichever it is, it's OK. If you want to spend the day in bed alone with a hot water bottle and a box of chocolates then why not? However, if you're looking for ideas on how to make the most of your Christmas Day by yourself this year, we have some suggestions you might want to try.

Get outdoors

The local pub and the shops might be closed, but nature is wide open. A cold, crisp walk on Christmas Day can be just as enjoyable by yourself, if not more enjoyable! Choose somewhere quiet where you can enjoy the peace and quiet while taking in your surroundings without any distractions or demands from other people. It can be a great time to practise some mindfulness techniques too.

Listen to whatever you want

Sick of hearing Mariah Carey on repeat? Ready to smash the radio next time you hear a bell jingle? Make the most of this day by yourself and blow the dust off your old favourite albums. Be it the Beatles or the Backstreet Boys, nobody's there to judge. And research suggests that music can be beneficial to our wellbeing in so many different ways.

Volunteer

Don't want to spend the day with people you know but like the idea of bringing a little Christmas joy to someone else? There are usually plenty of local opportunities to get involved with like food kitchens and nearby charities. If not, maybe there's a neighbour alone this year who would appreciate an hour of your company? There have been many studies looking at the benefits of giving on wellbeing, so it's a win win situation - give to others and you're giving to yourself too!

Make your own holiday

More of a sun worshipper than a snowball maker? Turn up the heating, get out your brightest t-shirt, make your favourite fruity cocktail and put on a film about summer. Alternatively if you're not a fan of Christmas cheer in general, why not try a gory horror film, dim the lights and make a nice batch of fresh popcorn.


Christmas Day without friends and family doesn't have to be a bad experience and there are various different ways that you can make the most of the time to yourself. However, if you're alone over the Christmas period and feeling overwhelmed, don't be afraid to talk to someone about it.

Contact First Psychology to book an appointment or you can visit your GP surgery and speak to them about how you're feeling. You can also call the Samaritans 24 hours a day on 116 123 for a chat.