How to Cope When You Are Alone on Christmas

You might be alone on Christmas for different reasons, such as the death of a loved one, living far from relatives, or because of social isolation. If you have social anxiety disorder (SAD) and don't have close relationships with family or friends, loneliness at Christmas could be particularly hard.

We have come up with three great ways to cope with being alone at Christmas. First, you can address your mental state and how it is contributing to your loneliness. Second, you can find things to do at Christmas that make you feel less alone. Third, you can plan ahead so that you are not alone this time next year if you don't want to be alone.

Addressing Your Mental State

First of all, know that it is OK to be alone on a holiday now and then. You may feel like you are the only one missing out on the Christmas festivities, but plenty of people spend that day doing something quite different.

Second, Christmas is the perfect day to appreciate what you have in life, be it good health, a place to live, or food on the table. Gratitude will also help you overcome anxiety as you learn to live in the present moment and be mindful of the bigger picture. One way to practice gratitude is to write down three things you are grateful for on this day.

Maybe you already feel grateful, but you are plagued by negative thoughts and feelings. You may be grieving over your losses or wondering why you don't have better social connections.

You can choose to feel lonely because you are alone, or you can shift gears and choose to feel grateful for the other positive things in your life despite being alone. Reframing your negative thoughts is the basis of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), an effective treatment for anxiety disorders and depression.

Tips for Coping With Loneliness at Christmas

One way to cope with being alone on Christmas is actually to go out and do something productive. Rather than spend the day at home alone, find something that you can do that fits with your mindset and mental state for the day.

For example, if you feel energetic and the weather is decent, go for a long walk. If you feel social, consider attending a church service to be in the presence of others. You could even meet new people that way if you are willing to put yourself out there.

Below are some other ideas to keep you from focusing on the fact that you are alone this holiday.

Say 'Yes'

Perhaps you are alone this year because you turned down invitations. Know that it's OK to call those people back and say "yes." This is often a problem for those with social anxiety—you turn down invitations only to regret it and feel lonely afterward.

Take Time to Volunteer

One way to gain a better appreciation for the good things in your life is to get involved in volunteering. During the holidays, volunteering is a way to connect with others, boost your self-esteem, and bring joy to people who are less fortunate. Consider offering to help serve dinner at a soup kitchen, bring gifts to a children's hospital, or visit lonely residents at a nursing home.

If you feel nervous about doing these social activities, all the better; it's a chance to test your boundaries and expand your social skills. In fact, research shows that practicing kindness may reduce your tendency to avoid social situations.

Host an Orphan Christmas

Plan an "orphan Christmas" for other people you know who have no one to spend the holiday with or join a group of people in similar circumstances. If you feel anxious about reaching out, consider that other people who are alone on Christmas may feel isolated, lonely, and nervous about calling on you, too.

Get to Work

If you enjoy your work, and you have the option to work on Christmas, spend the day being productive. This is a smart choice if your job involves interacting with co-workers or customers; being at work may help you to feel less lonely.

If you don't have the option to work on Christmas, spend the day working around your home or on a project that you've put off for too long.

Celebrate Online

Do you have online friends? Do you have long-distance relatives? Host an online Christmas by setting up a Skype, Zoom, Google Meet, or Facebook group. If you want to exchange gifts, you can plan ahead and send them by mail to open together in your online meeting place. People can drop in and out as they please, and you don't have to cook, clean, or even get off the sofa.

As an added bonus, you'll have a chance to practice your social skills as you welcome new people to the group and catch up with old friends. If need be, you'll also be keeping your vulnerable loved ones safe as you socialize virtually.

Enjoy Solitude

If being alone on Christmas is unavoidable, plan a day for yourself. Buy something online to treat yourself, cook your favorite foods, or plan a movie marathon. Or do something offbeat like learning a new language or starting work on the novel that's always been in your head.

How to Plan Ahead for Next Christmas

Plan for a better future. If social anxiety has left you alone and feeling lonely on Christmas, vow to visit your doctor in the new year and get a handle on your anxiety. If you haven't been diagnosed, make a plan to share your concerns—you can even hand a written letter to your doctor if that is easier than saying it out loud.

Social anxiety tends to be overlooked or mistaken for other problems, particularly because people with the disorder are not good at sharing how they feel. Maybe you mask your feelings well or just seem uninterested to others. Use whatever means necessary to impress upon your doctor the severity of your symptoms.

If You're Having Difficulty Coping

If you are feeling really down about being alone on Christmas and can't pull yourself out of a funk, reach out for help. Call a friend, family member, or a helpline.

Regardless of whether you are physically separated from people on Christmas, you should never feel like you are lacking support. There are people who would love to hear from you and trained volunteers waiting to support and counsel you.

Final Thoughts

While feeling socially isolated around the holidays may be common, finding yourself crippled by social anxiety more days out of the year than not may be a sign of a disorder. If you've not already consulted your doctor about your social anxiety, be sure to make an appointment to discuss the possibility of a diagnosis and referral for treatment.