Alone for the hols, are you?
You’re going to be alone for a holiday, but have no wish to be. You’ve lost someone you love, or are estranged from family, or are far away from home — whatever the reason the upcoming holidays are making you blue — many of us have been there. Here are some fab ways to turn the day around that can work really well to change the attitude of “a lonely day” to “a lovely day alone.”
1. Sleep in. Have breakfast in bed. Eat something you would not normally have that you’ve always meant to try. (Mine was eggs benedict.)
2. Go for a half an hour walk in a place you’ve meant to walk, but have never had the chance or the time. Take a bus or drive there if you must. If it’s raining, bring your umbrella and walk anyway.Bring home a lovely leaf or rock.
3. Buy cut flowers for yourself or a neighbor. If they are for you, put them out where you can see them often. If for a neighbor, do an Amélie and leave them anonymously.
4. You know those movies you’ve always meant to see? Pick one. Or go see a film you’d never have chosen. Give it a try. Pretend you’re a film critic and must see it for work. Buy popcorn and while eating and watching, think of what you’re going to write about it in your critique.
5. Take a work shift for someone who’d really love to be home for the holiday. Even if it’s someone you don’t know well. While at work, pretend that for every nice thing you say to someone that day, be they a customer or a co-worker, there will be 10 extra dollars in your bank account at the end of the day. See how rich you feel when your shift is over.
6. Those old CDs or LPs you haven’t played in forever? (Not the ones that make you sad, but the ones that bring back good memories) Today is the day to play them. Sing along. Dance. Do a twirl. No one can see you.
7. Don’t overeat or drink too much, but have one thing that you ordinarily would not have. (Mine was a chocolate shake.)
8. Go on Kickstarter or Indie GoGo and find a project that seems really amazing. Give that project whatever money you can, even if it’s only one dollar.
9. Type into Google the words “Little known facts” and see what comes up. In my case what came up was “little known facts about The Three Stooges.” Read the facts. Then do some online research to learn if these little known facts are indeed facts. When you learn which are true, memorize five. Trust me– the information will come in handy. (Did you know Curly’s real name was Jerome, that he idolized his older brother, “Moe” and was a terrific singer and basketball player? Men love that I know that.)
10. Finally reflect back on your day. In one day, you were a chef, an explorer, a person with an eye for beauty, a philanthropist, a movie critic and an investigator. You might also get “the best co-worker of the month” award. Now, how do you feel that you released yourself from the ordinary expectations of the day?
Please feel free to add any other suggestions on how to spend a holiday alone….
Happy Holidays!
I would add: A good book. Buy it a few days ahead, leave it on a table were you can see it, and build up the expectations. The book will add to your Lonely Day either new knowledge or trying to be in somebody else’s life for a little while.
Wow. How could I have left this out? Thank you!