Looks like I’ll be spending Christmas alone this year. Anyone got advice...? Celebrating the season solo isn’t always perfect, but some people actually prefer it that way.
Heck no! I have no intention of spending the holidays with others. Finally, three days where my boss doesn’t call, my colleagues don’t flood me with emails, and neither friends nor family reach out: this is pure bliss! I stay in pajamas all day, sipping hot chocolate and binge-watching series—nothing beats that for me.
Indulge Yourself
I always choose to spend Christmas Eve alone because I deserve some pampering. Baking and cooking are my hobbies—they completely relax me. The day before, I buy ingredients and prepare my favorite menu: Thai tom yum soup, Beef Wellington, and macarons for dessert. These are special dishes I don’t eat every day, and making them fills my entire day. I listen to music, dance around, and enjoy the creative process. Once done, I set the table just for myself and savor my creation. I leave the dishes for the next day and go to bed early, tired but happy after a full day in the kitchen.
Get Away
I was so fed up with holiday chaos and stress that on a whim, I grabbed a last-minute flight to Lisbon and traveled alone. That choice opened up a whole new world—wow, you can just fly away from it all?! Why hadn’t I thought of this before? This year will be my eighth spent abroad, with Helsinki as my destination—woohoo!
Wellness
I buy a bottle of quality red wine—splurging a bit more than usual—and watch the latest Christmas hit movie. No need to overthink Christmas; it’s just another day like any other.
The Outdoors
I go hiking! It’s the best time because you’re guaranteed to meet no one on the trail and avoid traffic on the way home.
Zen
It’s not strange for me—I always spend Christmas alone—but others are often surprised when they find out. Once, a cashier even invited me to join her family because she couldn’t imagine someone being alone on Christmas Eve. But I do it for myself. As a decorator, my Christmas planning starts in August, and from November until December 24, we work from dawn till dusk. After all the work, decorations, and people, I finally breathe and relax during the holidays. Maybe it’s a professional habit, but at home, I have no festive decorations: no Advent wreath, no Christmas tree, not even a string of lights. My place is strictly a "holiday-free" zone, and that’s pure Zen for me.
Tradition
My parents have passed, my friends spend the holidays with their families, and I don’t feel like awkwardly spending an evening with relatives. So my Christmas tradition is simple: I have lunch at the local Chinese takeout (I order dinner to go), then I go to the movies, and later I enjoy a bubbly bath at home before curling up in bed with a light read. For me, that’s a perfect evening.
Without a Mask
When I was married, we always visited relatives on Christmas Day and hosted friends the next day. After my divorce, I didn’t feel like doing anything and decided that year to gift myself the freedom of not forcing a smile—I stayed home. It went so well that since then, I purposely spend every holiday alone, and this year will be no different.
Staying Put
Once I was sick and couldn’t travel to my family in the countryside. Everyone felt sorry for me, but it turned out to be my best Christmas ever. So much so that I’ve refused to make the trip since. I spend the money saved on gifts on myself and treat myself to a nice restaurant, enjoying the freedom of not having to please or engage with anyone.
The Hustle
I love being alone in the hustle and bustle. My Christmas is always busy: I sip mulled wine at the Christmas market, then head to a concert, and end the night at midnight mass in church. Days like this recharge me, and I go to bed feeling grateful for life.
