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How to Cope With Holiday Loneliness
It’s hard not to feel overwhelmed, but you can survive the season without succumbing to sadness
I’ll be alone this holiday season, but I know I’m not alone in this reality. By alone, I mean that I have no plans to spend any time with any of my friends or family which, as I’ve gotten older, has become the norm for me. I am a divorced mom who splits major holidays with my ex-husband, so I only spend Christmas, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s Eve with my son every other year. I am single with no romantic prospects, so I won’t be snuggled up with anyone special. And my friends, most of whom live in other states, all have plans to spend time with their families; my own relationships with my family members are sparse and tenuous at best.
It’s hard not to feel overwhelmed by the loneliness of it all but I’ve figured out some ways to navigate the season without succumbing to sadness. If you can relate to my situation, here are some ways to manage holiday loneliness and come out better in the new year.
Plan ahead and focus on surrounding yourself with things that uplift your spirits like warm fragrances, holiday decor, and some of your favorite holiday foods.
