How to Survive Holiday Loneliness

It is officially the holiday season. For many people, this is a time for joy and celebration. However,  the holidays can be hard for people with toxic family members, or for those who are estranged from family. Especially with COVID, more people are spending holidays alone or over Zoom. There are a number of reasons why someone may be alone during the holidays, and the feeling of isolation or sadness can be a difficult consequence. 

There is nothing wrong with being alone on the holidays, but it can be difficult to watch others celebrating with their friends and family. The first time I was away from my family on Christmas was when I lived in London. A lot of my friends there had gone home for the holiday and I was left alone on campus. I was jealous of those surrounded by family while I was left in my small dorm room.

Being alone during the holidays does not need to be depressing. There are so many things you can do alone and enjoy. I have come to learn that sometimes you have the most fun when you are by yourself.

One thing you can do during the holidays is go see a movie. Some people think going to the  movies alone is weird, but it is my favorite thing to do by myself. Watching a movie in a theater can help you forget the world happening outside of that building and focus on the life of someone or something else. 

Take yourself out to eat or order in takeout. Have a self-care night. It is important to remember that there is nothing wrong with being alone on the holidays, and you are actually not alone in your loneliness. Many people spend the holidays alone. So if it might feel like you’re the only person in the world alone on a holiday, you’re wrong.

The holidays are a difficult time for more people than you can imagine. Give yourself plenty of space to feel your emotions. If you are sad, don’t try to suppress it. We are doing a disservice to ourselves by holding in our emotions. It’s okay to feel sad, angry, or depressed and sometimes it is okay to wallow in those feelings.

Be gentle with yourself during this holiday season.

Written by: Sydney Karlos