How to Celebrate the Holidays Away From Family

Holidays can feel bittersweet when you’re miles away from family or your close friends. We’ve all been there, longing for shared meals, fun family traditions and the sound of everyone just being together.

The easiest thing to do is to feel bad for ourselves and sink in sorrow focusing on the bad side. But being on your own doesn’t mean you can’t make the holidays a fun celebration. It can be a perfect time to connect with yourself and the community around you. Create new traditions and connect in new ways. 

Don’t let it bring you down. At least not before you checked out our tips to elevate yourself and feel cheerful this holiday season. Giving it a chance is giving yourself a chance!

From solo celebrations to volunteering, here are some creative ways to make the holidays brighter and more fulfilling:

Throw Yourself a “Solo Festivity” Party

Who says you can’t celebrate on your own? Decorate your space, dress up (even if it’s just to vibe with your pajamas), and cook your favorite holiday meal. Or order something tasty that you wouldn’t normally treat yourself to. The key is to make it feel special as you are.

Host a Virtual Celebration 

Thanks to technology, your loved ones are just a click away. Schedule a Zoom dinner, play games online, or watch a holiday movie “together” virtually. Set the mood with matching holiday drinks or snacks and enjoy the digital togetherness vibes..

Start a New Tradition  

Who says you can’t start your own traditions? Make a quirky new dish, go on a scenic walk or write a reflective journal entry about the past year. New traditions can feel just as comforting as old ones, and they tend to be closer to our heart and soul. Don’t be afraid to run wild with it as long as it makes you feel elevated.

Connect With Your Local Community

Consider attending a holiday event nearby, like a market or a concert. Don’t underestimate the comfort of being surrounded by fellow holiday loners. Check local accounts on social media to find communities that share your vibe or interests. It’s a great way to feel the holiday spirit and meet new friends that will last.  

Volunteer and Spread Joy

Nothing is more fulfilling and rewarding like giving back. Help at a local shelter, wrap gifts for charity, deliver meals to those in need or spend time in a nearby nursing home. Volunteering is a great reminder of the true holiday spirit. You feeling better is just a bonus in this case.

Send Holiday Love

Write meaningful letters or send care packages to your family and friends. Not only will it brighten their day, but it will also remind you of the special connections you share, even from afar. Sending cards and letters (and receiving them!) will bring you together and make you feel the love and closer to your family and friends.

Get Yourself a Treat 

The holidays are a great time to spend some on something just for you. Get a cozy blanket or treat yourself to a fancy meal. Even just a small getaway would do the work. Celebrate you and the amazing year you’ve had with rewarding yourself with something you can put a price tag on.

Reflect and Recharge

Holidays alone can be overwhelming. Why not take this lemon and make some lemonade? Use this free alone time for self-care and self-reflection. Meditate, write in your journal or simply absorb the quiet. Sometimes, the best gift is giving yourself a break from everything but yourself.

Plan an Exciting Family Experience for the Future

Having something to look forward to can make so much difference.Planning future family trips or gatherings can lift your spirit and give you something to look forward to. That joy on the horizon can help ease your holiday blues.

No matter where you are or who you’re with, remember that the holidays are what you make of them. Celebrate the small joys, create new traditions, and remember that the best gifts are the moments of love and care you give to yourself and others.