Overcoming Loneliness this Christmas
Christmas is one of those times when the social norm is to get
together with our families even if you never see them during the
year. For those people who are isolated from their families, or
do not have a family, it can be a time of great loneliness and
even depression.
The day can remind us of what we do not have in our lives. Even
if this does not bother us at any other time of the year, it can
get to us at Christmas. The thought that everyone else is with
their families can really weigh upon us.
There are many people who will be alone on Christmas day, so
don't think that you are the only one, or that you are in any
way a failure if you find yourself without company at this time.
There are a number of things that you can do to make the day
more pleasant for yourself.
1) Plan a special day for yourself
Plan to spoil yourself on Christmas Day. Plan a number of things
that you really enjoy doing. Hire your favourite video, read a
good book, buy some beautiful fresh flowers for your house, buy
yourself a present and wrap it and put it under the tree. Even
though it is just you make a special meal with all your
favourite foods. Take a picnic to your favourite spot. Listen to
your favourite music. Go out and see a Christmas play. Go to
Church
2) Go out to lunch or on an organised tour
Getting out and meeting others can be a great way to spend your
day. You might even make some new friends.
Talk to your local council, they will know where a community
Christmas meal will be served.
Travel agents and local councils will be able to put you in
touch with people organising tours on Christmas day. There may
be trips to the country where you will have a nice meal. Or
there may be tours of Christmas scenes and lights.
3) Help others
Help out at a homeless shelter for the day and spread Christmas
cheer to others. The Salvation Army or other church
organisations or poverty groups will be grateful for any help
you can offer. Helping others is always a great way to cheer
yourself up.
4) Invite others over for a Christmas meal.
If you know of others who are going to be alone you can invite
them over for a meal. You can delegate so everyone brings
something to eat and make sure everyone knows what time you are
expecting them.
Make sure you decide before hand whether you want to exchange
gifts or not. That way no one will be embarrassed by not having
gifts for the others.
This is only a small sample of ways to enjoy your Christmas
more. I am sure you can come up with others. The idea is to plan
your day and fill it with things you enjoy. When you do this,
you will have something to look forward to on the day, instead
of a long day spent alone, thinking about all the things you are
missing.