Surprisingly Easy Ideas For Spending The Holiday Alone

Navigating the holidays can be tough when you're alone.  It doesn't matter if it's by choice or not, if you're alone, holidays can be a challenge.

I've been alone for awhile now, so I thought I'd share some tips and tricks to make it through the day and even, maybe quite possibly enjoy the day or the season.

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Start a new tradition just for you

There are lots of ways to start your own traditions.  Maybe treat yourself to dinner, a movie marathon, or a walk under the big Montana sky.  It just needs to bring YOU joy.  One of the coolest parts about being single is you don't need to compromise on anything you want to do, eat or watch.  Personally, I do tv marathons when the weather is bad.  When the holiday falls during good weather, I like to do my favorite outdoor things like going to a park, check out a museum, staring up at the stars or fishing or gardening.

Volunteer

It takes awhile to be comfortable all alone.  Especially on the holidays. That makes for a great opportunity to volunteer your time and surround yourself with others.  You get double the dopamine because not only are you getting human interaction, you're making a difference.

Clean up and organize your home

I know this sounds strange, but take it from someone who's been alone over a decade.  There isn't much that perpetuates depression like a dirty, cluttered home. Before you head out to volunteer or sit down to your series marathon, get your house in order.  You won't believe how much this one thing can make you feel better overall. Want to make it extra awesome?  Throw something in the crockpot while you're at it.  Not only does that take care of supper, but your house will smell so good giving it such a cozy vibe.

Allow yourself to feel alone

If you don't acknowledge your feelings, they'll only get worse.  Allow yourself the time to grieve your situation, then get on with it.  I do this all the time.  It takes practice and you have to be strict with yourself when it's time to put the grieving aside and celebrate.

Being alone can be great

When you find yourself really down, try reminding yourself of all the ways being alone can be great.  I do it all the time.  I love not having to ask if "we should get a couch", or where to go for vacation or compromise on what's for dinner and what side of the bed to take.  You are also king/queen of the temperature, tv, bed time and more.  There are plenty of upsides to being alone.  It just takes practice to see it that way, and it can be extra hard on a holiday.

Reach out

It's really ok to call a friend or family member on a holiday or if you're feeling down. If you don't have anyone like that, talk to a clerk or go hang out somewhere you can people watch.

I hope this helps you navigate the holidays while alone.  If you have some advice, be sure and hit us up on socials or the app so we can spread the word.