Christmas, as we all know, is a wonderful time to grow closer to family and friends. One of the most common ways is by enjoying family activities and traditions that have been passed down from our ancestors or those that have been made recently. On the other hand, not everyone has the company of someone else to spend Christmas with. Those people may not have someone sharing the same roof as them but that does not dim their happiness.
Christmas is the perfect time to treasure and fortify the forever families we desire. Being awakened by over-hyped kids, who are excited to open their gifts is indeed a gaiety moment. The Christmas candlelight meal becomes an assembling point to gather families together. Food becomes just an excuse for discussion when in reality, they have all been longing to get the time to share their laughter together. Time flies by when they all get engrossed with the company of each other after hours of pouring their hearts out.
But, the amount of enjoyment that one experiences during the preparation of Christmas are immeasurable. The lights adorning the houses, hearing Christmas music everywhere, stores flashing with red and green lights, the star shining on the Christmas tree, and various items being sold at every corner make it impossible to forget that it is the holiday season. While some families spend the Eve of Christmas baking in matching PJs, others use this time to play traditional games where loud laughter emerges frequently. Christmas time becomes the time for giving and sharing.
Even if Christmas revolves around the idea of togetherness, not everyone has the company of somebody else. Especially when every Christmas advertisement you see features a loving, happy family all together wearing Santa hats and smiles all around, it does not make it anymore easier. Whether someone is alone due to the circumstances or by choice, it does sting their hearts thinking about what it would be like to celebrate Christmas with their family and loved ones. The truth is, you can still have a jolly Christmas while being alone. Remember, loneliness is not a synonym for sadness.
Here’s the thing, you are not alone. In reality, many people spend their Christmas alone. While you might be missing your family, there are plenty of things you might be happy to skip out on. For example, faking our surprises when we get yet another old-fashioned gown, sitting through political debates which last forever and having to dress up just to have dinner in our own dining room, and many more that one may fail to realize since they are focused on only the gloomy things.
Spending Christmas day alone allows us to catch up on a lot of things that normally we would not be to. Here are some things to do to have merry Christmas:
o Reminisce or create new memories
o Soak in some self-care
o Listen to a joyful playlist, without the carols
o Make yourself a dish you loved as a kid
o Try a well-being activity
o Play an online game
o Change your mental narrative
Christmas is not all about exchanging gifts, decorating Christmas trees, sharing meals with family and friends, and waiting for the arrival of Santa Claus. Christmas can still be as enjoyable without sticking to the traditional stereotypes of this Eve.
“A season of loneliness and isolation is when the
caterpillar gets its wings. Remember that next time
you feel alone.”
-Mandy Hale
Writer: Keerti Rughoobur
Editor: Khisha Callicharrun