We all feel lonely from time to time, but the holiday season can be an especially lonely time for many. The holidays are meant to be spent with family and friends, but they can serve as a painful reminder to those of us who don’t get to spend them with our loved ones––whether you have lost someone you loved, are a single mom, or don’t have good relationships with your family.
Whatever reason you may find yourself lonely this season, know that you are not alone in your loneliness and there are things you can do to find the connection you are craving.
Host a Holiday Party
You may feel like isolating and dwelling on feelings of loneliness, however, you want to do the opposite and consider ways to socialize and create new memories. You can have your own party and invite friends and family members you want to connect with. This may lead to nurturing friendships and creating stronger bonds.
Don’t worry about hosting a perfect gathering, but rather focus on simply spending time with people you love. The decorations don’t have to be extravagant– in fact you don’t even need to do decorations if you don’t want to. The point is to connect with and enjoy the people in your life.
If you’re not able to host a gathering, then get a group together to go ice skating or see a movie. There are so many ways to get together with others, so be creative, think of what you would enjoy doing most, and invite your friends to join you!
Serve at a Local Homeless Shelter or Food Distribution Center
Another great way to ease the loneliness of the holiday season, as well as meet a great need, is serving at a homeless shelter or food pantry. Almost every community has one close by and it is usually during the winter months that they need the most help.
It may be uncomfortable at first, but if you open yourself up to the experience you may make some great connections and be humbled in the process. You may get to hear some amazing stories and get to know some truly incredible people that you wouldn’t meet otherwise.
Serving others is a great way to get out of your own suffering and come alongside others who are suffering too. It shifts our perspective from one of lack to one of gratitude, and ultimately enriches our lives.
Go to Holiday Events
There are always lots of community and church events put on during the holidays. Check out your church’s bulletin or go online to find what’s going on in the community, choose what sounds like fun, and put it in your calendar! You never know who you will meet and what kind of memories you will make.
It can be intimidating to go to an event by yourself, so if you don’t feel comfortable attending alone, invite a friend to go with you. It may be awkward at first but you will not regret stepping out of your comfort zone and connecting with others.
Enjoy a Holiday Vacation
If your budget allows, take some time off work and treat yourself to a vacation! Whether it’s a quick weekend getaway to the mountains or a long and luxurious excursion to a tropical island, pack your bags and go on an adventure.
Getting out of your usual routine and space will give your mind a fresh perspective and ease some of the loneliness of the season. You can use it as a time to rest and recharge or a time to explore and adventure. You may even make some new friends!
Don’t Hesitate to Reach Out
If the loneliness is too much to bear this time of year, please reach out to talk to someone. There are so many people who understand and are going through the same thing– don’t despair.
And if you need to talk to a professional counselor, we are happy to work with you at Florecer Family Counseling. We can help you get to the root of your loneliness and give you tools to have a better holiday season this year and in the years ahead.
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