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When I was living in France, I decided to spend Christmas in Paris. I rented a chic AirBnb with a large bathtub and beautiful rooftop lighting. On Christmas Day, I relaxed in a decadent Lush bubble bath and indulged in an equally decadent bûche de Noël while watching Christmas movies. Although Christmas in Paris sounds like a magical experience, it was quite lonely. All of my Parisian friends were celebrating outside the city with their family and friends. Everything was closed, and almost no one was in the streets. On Christmas Eve I took a stroll pass the Eiffel Tower in the evening to watch the lights twinkle. It felt a little less enchanting than I had remembered. Although my first Christmas alone was difficult, I reminded myself of how lucky I am to have family and friends (even if I couldn’t celebrate the holidays with them). I also gained some insight on how I would spend Christmas if I ever had to spend it alone again. Here is my advice for spending the holiday season alone and my favorites to pamper yourself on a solo self-care night.

How to Handle the Holidays Alone

Plan Your Day Ahead Of Time

If you know that you’ll be spending the holidays alone, prepare your day in advance. When you plan ahead of time you’ll be able to arrange some activities and organize any items you’ll want for your holiday. Since many restaurants and stores are closed on Christmas, you’ll also want to consider purchasing any groceries before the 24th and ordering any items online so that they arrive on time.

Adjust Your Expectations

Many of us have high expectations for the holiday season. We can easily anticipate everything to be perfect, then question why we feel low when our Christmas celebration isn’t how we expected it. You are not alone in feeling this way. While we might have our own conceptions of a traditional Christmas, keep in mind that your perceptions are likely not a reality for the majority of individuals.

Focus On Gratitude

If you feel like you’re missing out on Christmas day, remind yourself of the things that you do have in your life. Acknowledge how you feel about your situation, then switch the focus from what you don’t have to what you are grateful for. Do you have family? Be grateful for them, even if they are far away. Do you have food on your plate? Express your thankfulness even if you’re enjoying it solo.

How to Spend Your Holiday Alone

Volunteer

Spend your day volunteering at a local organization. By giving back to your community, you’ll be able to connect with other people and gain a healthier perspective your situation. Plus you’ll make the day of those you are helping. Check out homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and hospitals in your area. Your experience might even inspire you to volunteer beyond the holiday season.

Pamper Yourself

Enjoy some self-care by treating yourself to a day at the spa, a massage, or mani/pedi. Due to the current state of the world, you might consider planning a spa day at home. Take a long bath, apply a face mask, give yourself a manicure and partake in any relaxing activities to pamper yourself. By taking care of yourself, you’ll feel (and look) a little brighter.

Call Your Family and Friends

Even if you’re away from your loved ones, give them a call and chat for a while. If you’re looking for holiday plans, consider calling family or friends ahead of time and ask if you can be included in whatever they’re doing. Most people are open to extending an invitation to others especially during the holidays.

Travel

Although traveling isn’t the easiest this year, consider getting away for a few days. Ski in the mountains, relax on the beach, or hike through the forest. Taking a trip will get you out of the holiday mindset and let you focus on another activity. Keep in mind social distancing rules and try keeping your vacation in lightly populated areas.

Enjoy New And Old Traditions

If you have special Christmas traditions, try to celebrate them even if you’re alone. Watch your favorite Christmas movies, make holiday cocktails, hang up decorations, and celebrate however you normally would with your loved ones. At the same time, try some new holiday traditions. Try Christmas caroling via FaceTime. Drive around your area to see the holiday lights. Read a classic Christmas poem or novel.

Prepare A Holiday Meal For Yourself

Consider cooking a holiday meal for yourself. Enjoying something delicious can be very uplifting and make your holiday a little extra special. Search online for some seasonal recipes you’d like to try; I love hearty soup, veggie casseroles and fresh baked goods during the holiday season. It doesn’t have to be a traditional Christmas dinner either. Treat yourself to the kinds of foods that you enjoy the most.