Alone During the Holidays
doesn't have to be lonely
Revised version of an article posted on my LinkedIn page last year.
The holiday season is often packaged along with images of bustling family dinners and jam-packed social plans. All that festive “cheer” that we sometimes dread.
For some of us, it also feels like a solo gig—isolating. To be honest, I often feel like there’s a spotlight on me because I’m the only one not coupled up.
Whether you’re miles away from loved ones, being discerning about social time, or simply savoring your own company, remember that being alone doesn’t have to mean feeling lonely. In fact, it might just be the sweetest gift of the season!
Guilt-Free Time
The end-of-year can feel like a marathon, but flying solo offers a unique opportunity to minimize this pressure. It’s the ultimate excuse to embrace some glorious Me Time. Sprawl out on the couch to watch your favorite comfort series or dive into a book that’s been waiting on your shelf. Alone time is your golden ticket to indulgent stress relief.
A Chance to Reflect & Recharge
Speaking of stress… Make the most of your situation by stepping back from the holiday rush. Let those emotional batteries recharge. It’s a prime opportunity to practice self-care and center your mental health, so you can show up for others with genuine love and intention.
Being alone also provides the perfect setting for a little soul searching. Use this time to ponder the last year, your dreams, and what lights you up. This mental reset can usher in clarity and gratitude—two scrying tools useful to prepare for the New Year. Here’s my tip: instead of tired old resolutions, I opt to list intentions that set me up for success.
If you missed it, my recent article Reflections (2025) can help you get started, and tips for setting intentions is on the way.
Redefine and Rediscover
Who says you need to stick to the traditional holiday playbook? Getting caught up in the hustle leads us to overlook simple, everyday delights. Alone time gives you the freedom to create your own holiday magic: savoring a warm seasonal drink, reveling in the peace of a morning walk, or whipping up a tasty treat (to be shared or not). These moments can be profoundly uplifting and serve as powerful reminders that we generate our own happiness.
Seriously, daily practice in savoring these little joys can be life-changing. If you haven’t tried it yet, why not start right now?
Reconnecting Intentionally
Don’t let solitude make you feel cut off. Instead, it could be a chance to reconnect with others on your own terms. Maybe it’s a good excuse for that overdue catch-up with an old friend, sending out handwritten holiday cards (make it personal, be sincere and don’t just slap your signature on it!), or having a virtual get-together with loved ones. Reaching out intentionally can transform those connections into something truly special and mute those pesky thoughts of loneliness.
Consider Volunteering
One of the best antidotes to loneliness is giving back. Volunteering during the holidays isn’t just a great way to connect with your community; it’s a powerful tool for spreading joy. Serving meals at a shelter, lending a hand at a local food bank, visiting seniors at a care center are just a few examples of how giving can ignite a profound sense of purpose and hope. As a bonus, it often opens doors to new friendships, fostering a greater sense of belonging.
The Wrap
This holiday season, embrace the magic of your unique—and maybe even enviable—position. Being solo can be empowering, restorative, and joyful. It doesn’t matter if you are at a big gathering or cherishing those serene moments of solitude, remember: you are never truly alone unless you decide to be.
And sometimes, being alone is the best gift you can give yourself.
Invest in yourself…
Here’s a not-so-subtle reminder of my current discount offer. Granny’s got holiday shopping to do!
Use the code PUNK2025 to get 20% off your entire purchase at my Ko-Fi shop, valid now through January 2, 2026.
Don’t forget to check out the FREE downloads available there as well!
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