[Not] Home for Christmas?
On Dealing With Spending Christmas Alone/Without Family
Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year. Not because of the gifts and new clothes ( those stopped over a decade ago), or the Christmas decorations ( putting and taking down a tree isn’t as fun as it was when I was eight) and certainly not because of the matching PJs! It is my favourite time because of the harmattan, the close of work for the year and most importantly less traffic on the road, cause everyone has gone home! The latter has to be everyone’s favourite, especially for my IJGB peeps, who get to flaunt their hard work for the year in hard currency.
Unfortunately, this time can be lonely for those who have lost family or moved thousands of miles away from home. It is worse for those who lost family around this time. It is 10 days to Christmas, here are some things you can do if you find yourself alone this Christmas;
Make new memories
Avoid the temptation to sit in bed all day and cry. Instead of isolating yourself, make new memories, good ones that remind you of the season. Go out and meet new people, read a book, write a book, anything you do that would make you smile not only now but when you think about the day.
Walk down memory lane
When we think of this season the first thing that comes to our mind is the blast from the past. You have enjoyed the great times that you have associated with this time of the year. Instead of focusing on the feeling of loneliness, embrace the nostalgia that comes with reminiscing. Look at old pictures and videos, and make a scrapbook if you want to.
Meet people like you
You are not alone in your feelings. You’d be surprised to know the number of people in your street that can relate to being alone at Christmas. These people who understand and can relate can be your family. Talk to people, go out for carols and parties.
Delight in being alone
Being alone is not the same as being lonely. Be it by circumstance or choice, you can not change the fact that you are alone. This could be a new tradition for you. Let this be a time for introspection, check yourself by yourself, love yourself and be with yourself. Accept that it is alright to be alone, even at Christmas.
Volunteer
Remember the reason for the season? One of the best things you can do when you are feeling down is to cheer someone up. You can try volunteering to take care of people at this time. Visit an orphanage or join a charity that gives either food, drinks, clothes or gifts during this season. You can support by donating items you do not need or money to sponsor the items.
Video calls are your friends
Technology has come a long way in connecting us with those we love and want to speak to. This feeling can be generated without even looking at the other person, like playing an online game with someone else or planning activities that you can do with those you love.
December can be a difficult time for most people, it does not have to be for you. If you have spent Christmas alone for whatever reason we want to know. Write about it in the comment you might be helping one or two people.
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