What To Do If You’re Spending Christmas Day Alone

Spending the festive period alone doesn’t have to be a bad thing—it can be an exciting and enjoyable experience.

From watching your favorite films to cooking up a storm, a solo Christmas doesn’t mean it’s going to be a holiday filled with doom and gloom.

“The best company you can have is with yourself: we are always looking at external sources to provide our happiness, but looking inward and learning to be comfortable with our own company is the key to happiness, all year round,” Chris Freer, a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist told Newsweek.

A file image of a woman opening presents alone. Newsweek has provided tips for people spending Christmas alone this year. Prostock-Studio/iStock/Getty Images Plus

In 2021, a YouGov survey revealed 11 percent of 3,986 U.S. adults contacted spent the previous December holidays on their own. And 16 percent described the festivities as “good”.

Newsweek has reached out to two experts who specialize in mental health to find out how you can avoid feelings of dread, along with a chef who has shared some festive suggestions for one person.

How To Celebrate Christmas Day Alone

December is the busiest month of the year for most people, but it is essential to keep yourself in check by taking the time and doing something you enjoy.

“This is a time of year when taking care of yourself is very important as seasonal pressures can leave you feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and exhausted,” told Mark Debus.

Debus, the manager of a behavioral health team, has provided the following tips:

He added: “When you say ‘yes’ to too much, it could leave you feeling overextended. This combination will allow you to not only enjoy your holiday season but also give you a clear and positive mental state.”

These stock images show a man relaxing and a hot chocolate near the fire. Mental health experts suggest practicing self care during the festive period. zGel/FTiare 1. Schedule a Phone Call

If a loved one is a phone call away, Freer suggests planning ahead and organizing a time to speak. If you have access to a smartphone, make a plan to video call them.

There are also apps available that allow you to keep in touch by playing a game.

Freer told Newsweek: “Modern tech allows us to speak to people on the other side of the world. I highly recommend forward planning. Set aside a time to have a call and aim to organize something festive and familiar you can do over a video chat with your loved ones: a classic game of Christmas charades, for example.”

A stock image of a young woman having a Christmas video call with her happy family. An expert has suggested scheduling a call with loved ones on Christmas day to beat loneliness. Adrian Vidal 2. Connect With Your Community

It is important to remember you are not alone, even if it feels like you are. The United States Census Bureau revealed that 37 million adults aged 18 and over lived independently at the start of 2021.

Therefore, there is a good chance someone close by is spending Christmas alone too.

Both experts have suggested reaching out to a neighbor or another person or group in the community during the holidays.

Freer has recommended the following things to do that will give you a “huge sense of accomplishment” during the festive season.

Debus said: “Find activities you enjoy, prioritize what you say ‘yes’ to and, most importantly, offer your time. Whether shoveling an elderly neighbor’s driveway, raking leaves for your parents, or buying a coffee for your postman, find kindness and do it unprompted. These acts will help you step outside your own worries and put you, and potentially someone else, in a better headspace.”

Do you have a Christmas dilemma? Let us know via life@newsweek.com. We can ask experts for advice on relationships, family, friends, money, and work, and your story could be featured on Newsweek’s “What Should I Do? section.

A stock image of a present donation. Newsweek spoke to multiple experts and they are all saying the same thing which is to give back during the festivities. CentralITAlliance/iStock/Getty Images Plus How To Prevent Feeling Lonely When Spending The Holidays Alone

Newsweek also spoke to the executive director of Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly (LBFE), a national network of non-profits charity.

Cathy Michalec told us about relieving isolation and loneliness among older adults, she said: “Generally speaking, if you are experiencing isolation and loneliness, it is very unlikely you would be proactive and reach out. I would like to suggest a way to turn this focus around to ask people in cities and villages what they can do to discover, engage, and support older neighbors and/or family members.

“The most effective way to do this is to reach out, engage and repeat. Look around and see who is always alone and never gets visitors. Leave a holiday card with a sweet treat, share your phone number, and help, such as getting items for the older adult at a grocery store, or taking them to a holiday event or church service.

“Consider an in-person visit to introduce yourself and have a nice conversation. Even though the first visit may feel uncomfortable, please do it again, as repeated visits will establish trust and encourage ongoing friendship. If you have a canine friend, bring them along as many older adults miss contact with animals. Inquire if they would like to meet your children as many older adults may not have grandchildren leaving nearby.”

A stock image of a woman buying food for senior man. Experts have suggested connecting with your community. AnnaStills/iStock/Getty Images Plus How To Cook Christmas Dinner for One

Newsweek reached out to Vincenzo Della Polla, an executive chef and cooking school instructor at Pritikin Longevity Center in Miami, for some useful advice.

“One of the best things about cooking for just yourself is that you know what you like. There is no trying to please someone else. This should be taken as a benefit as it’ll give you a chance to experiment without trying to feel like you need to satisfy everyone’s taste buds at the dinner table.

“If you have never tried something like grilling a Buffalo Filet Mignon or pan-searing Jumbo Scallops, get out of your comfort zone and try it! You’ll be impressed to see just how fun and enjoyable cooking for just one can really be!”

A woman eating alone on Christmas day. Newsweek spoke to a chef about what to cook on Christmas day for one. Jupiterimages/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Della Polla recommends cooking fish with an easy side dish like sautéed asparagus and broccolini followed by a simple crispy apple turnover dessert.

He has provided the following methods below:

Lemon Braised Salmon Recipe

Ingredients:

Method:

Try using another citrus. Also try other proteins, such as sea bass, chicken, and even tofu!

Roasted Pepper Dip Recipe

Ingredients:

Method:

Della Polla told Newsweek: “If you want an easy side dish, try just sautéing some asparagus or broccolini with a bit of cooking spray. Add minced garlic, lemon juice, a dash of low-sodium chicken or veggie broth and cover it. You’re in business within five minutes.”

“A simple dessert that would be a healthy take on a classic is our Crispy Apple Turnover. You can try substituting peaches, mango, or even bananas!” he said.

Crispy Apple Turnover Recipe

Ingredients:

Procedure: