What to Do When Alone at Christmas

Some Suggestions for People Who are Alone During the Holidays

Oct 12, 2009

People have to spend Christmas on their own for many reasons. However, it need not be a lonely time. Plan ahead for a positive experience during the Christmas holidays.

Some people genuinely relish the idea of being alone at Christmas. They break open the brandy, buy delicious food for one and order their favourite DVDs. With their feet up on the sofa, the TV remote in hand and cocooned against the outside world, they are immune to the stresses, strains and madness of Christmas.

But for many, the idea of spending Christmas alone can be a daunting prospect. Therefore, it’s best to plan ahead so that Christmas Day and Boxing Day are not dates to dread. On the contrary, they can be positive, life-changing experiences.

Volunteering at Christmas

The idea of volunteering at Christmas may not appeal to some people, especially those of a shy disposition or lacking in confidence. However, volunteering at Christmas is incredibly rewarding – and fun!

There are many opportunities for volunteering over the Christmas period – homeless shelters, helpline switchboards and homes for the elderly are just a few of the places where voluntary help is welcome.

Volunteers are kept so busy that there isn’t time to feel self-conscious and the people on the receiving end are very grateful to volunteers who have given up their time. This kind of activity is a real confidence booster and opens doors to new social opportunities. Some organisations offer a short training programme.

There are many local churches who open their doors to the homeless over the Christmas period and would really welcome volunteer help. New helpers are surprised at the cheerful, happy atmosphere they experience when volunteering at Christmas.

Go to a Retreat House for Christmas

Up and down the United Kingdom there are retreat houses which welcome visitors over the Christmas period. A retreat house is a place of sanctuary, often run by religious organisations but welcoming people of any religion or none.

The majority of retreat houses are there to serve your spiritual needs – but this does not mean that guests need to have any particular religious beliefs or join in any services. The people who run these retreat centres are very respectful of the needs of their guests and fully understand the desire for solitude.

However, there is a warm welcome for anyone wishing to join in the Christmas festivities. Here is one example of a beautiful retreat centre that is open in the Lake District over Christmas.

There are many more centres of varying sizes and prices in the UK, including a Christmas Buddhist Retreat on Holy Island where you receive full board and lodging and the chance to learn meditation, for a suggested donation of £10 a day.

An extremely useful book which is published annually is Retreats: Programmes and Events for over 200 Retreat Centres. It is a wealth of information, not only about Christmas retreats, but year-round retreats. It can be ordered from the Retreat Association's website.

Stay at a Youth Hostel For Christmas

Youth hostels welcome guests of all ages. They are cheerful, lively places guaranteed to ensure everyone feels included. There are some single rooms, but this might not be guaranteed.

There will be opportunities to walk in the countryside if the hostel is in a rural location, or have a quiet read, as well as games, quizzes, good food and drink and a warm atmosphere.

You can find out all about Christmas at the Youth Hostels Association website. Rates are reasonable.

Ramblers Holidays at Christmas

Consider taking a Christmas break with Ramblers Holidays. They can be found online. This organisation welcomes single people and they have Christmas holidays both here and abroad.

Planning Ahead for Christmas Alone

If it isn't possible to be away from home over Christmas, is there a lonely person in the neighbourhood who might welcome some company - a refugee, an elderly or disabled person or a youngster who is alone? It takes courage to approach people who are both neighbours and relative strangers, but such efforts can give life a deeper meaning.

Planning ahead and being willing to try new experiences can make being alone at Christmas a positive experience.