Solo holidays can be awesome

I know firsthand!

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In a Nutshell I'd spent every holiday with my family until 2020. Then I moved 100+ miles away from home days before the COVID-19 pandemic –– and the social distancing protocols –– rocked our world. Since then, I've spent most major holidays sitting in my apartment by myself, feeling serious FOMO as I watched everyone else celebrate with loved ones on social media. That is, until I learned to make the most of it! Today, I'm going to share with you how I've turned lonely holidays into solo celebrations. But first, here are some stories I think you might like: • 7 mood boosters that don't cost a thing! • 8 stretches to try before bed for better sleep • Tips to keep your home germ-free this winter Be well, Morgan Mandriota Newsletter Editor, Healthline

Written by Morgan Mandriota December 18, 2023 • 3 min read

what's got us buzzing I never thought I'd actually enjoy spending holidays alone … My first solo holiday was Easter 2020. I FaceTimed my parents as they made our traditional Italian struffoli and I grieved this change in decades-old routine. Days later, they mailed me some treats with a handwritten letter saying how much they missed me. Cue the heartbreak. Future holidays were just as lonely but carried fewer feelings of regret, sadness, and isolation as time went on. Honestly, I think the worst part was scrolling through Instagram and seeing everyone partying with their families, kissing partners under mistletoe, and filling my feed with cute photos I wanted to report simply out of spite. Then I turned things around, aka stopped being a mope and started celebrating in my own ways. While I prefer to be with my loved ones, it turns out solo holidays can be pretty great! And they definitely don't have to be so sad. The magic lies in doing whatever you want that brings you joy. Here's a short list of what I like most: Not sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic for hours on end Focusing on self-care by taking a hot shower, gaming, and journaling Wandering around the empty streets of my typically touristy town Baking cookies and eating them all by myself Watching movies in comfy clothes under a million blankets Blasting music while putting up the tree Picking up seasonal desserts from local farms Decorating my apartment with stockings for me and my cat Coordinating future gatherings with friends or family Sleeping in without worrying about having anywhere to go Buying myself gifts because I deserve them! Need more ideas? If you'll be riding solo this year, there are plenty of ways to celebrate and stay connected. In addition to what I listed above, you can also consider: Volunteering somewhere Baking treats and sharing them with your neighbors Making a fancy dinner (with a mocktail or two) Hosting a Zoom event with your loved ones Adopting or fostering a pet (so you'll never be alone!) coping tips for lonely holidays

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health stories you need What we're reading next 🌱 9 herbs and spices that fight inflammation. Keep inflammation at bay while adding flavor to your favorite dishes. ✨ How to prepare your home for the holidays. Read this advice from a professional cleaner. 💪🏻 Best exercises for strengthening your bladder. Plus other treatment options for my fellow friends with overactive bladders. 😬 The difference between chronic and acute stress They can affect your life in their own unique ways.

Thanks for reading! How are you spending the holiday season this year? Any big events or activities you're looking forward to? Share your plans with us at wellnesswire@healthline.com.

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