Christmas is traditionally a time to be with family, but that’s not always possible for everyone. Many spend Christmas alone, whether they want to or not. As someone who often spends Christmas alone, I wanted to offer some tips on making it as enjoyable as possible.

I’ll keep this one short as Christmas is generally a busy day for most, but I just wanted to remind anyone that spends Christmas alone that while it can sometimes feel lonesome, there are still great ways to enjoy yourself if you’re staying home and not planning on traveling, have anyone to meet up with, etc.

First, cosy up your living space! If you have the room (and can spare the cash), get yourself a Christmas tree. If space and/or money does not allow, you can still opt for a mini tree or some cheaper lights to hang up. Even some candles/tealights in the dark evenings can improve a mood, particularly something with a wintery scent. I’ve always put my decorations up as early as I can (without seeming crazy) and taken them down as late as possible (without seeming crazy) because I love the warm feeling they bring me, and I always dread that feeling going away. To combat that feeling (and the general Seasonal Affective Disorder that tends to hit in January) I’ve prepared things to look forward to in the new year that will excite me and distract me from the season being over. Having things to look forward to, big or small, can really help in getting from one point in life, or even just one day, to the next.

Having spent many Christmases away from the people I like to spend it with and with less of a chance to give gifts that aren’t just vouchers, I have found that a great thing you can do is treat yourself. Get your favourite food, put on some comfy PJs and get yourself a decent gift. It doesn’t have to be expensive, just something you’ll enjoy – for me it was the Ohuhu Honolulu B marker pens that are an absolute dream for people who like to colour. I’ve wanted these pens for a couple of years (terrible TikTok influence) and they were on offer, so I couldn’t resist. I’ve already had a terrific time watching Christmas movies and colouring a book – you’re never too old! Last year I opted for a Christmas jigsaw puzzle (with the same picture as the Christmas image at the top of this post) and a 2025 diary. Simple, but enjoyable and useful. Getting something you can use is a great way to pass the time, too.

One more thing is getting outside for a walk. Put on headphones/earphones and listen to a podcast, audiobook, music, or enjoy the sounds of nature (if that’s possible). Sometimes Christmas can feel stressful, even when you’re by yourself, and getting some exercise in can really help (it also helps if you’ve indulged in food!). It’s easy to just feel like rotting on the couch (it’s often my overriding feeling), but I promise you’ll feel even a smidge better just for moving your body further than the kitchen or the living room. If the weather isn’t good, try taking an umbrella and wrapping up. If the weather is really bad… well, maybe we’ll try again tomorrow.

Of course, these tips aren’t going to work for everyone, but they have worked for me over the many years of spending Christmas by myself. Sometimes it’s great and I love living it by my own schedule, but other times I can feel the solitude and lack of socialising mess with my sanity and cause a significant dip in my overall mental health. Thus, the above things help me to deal with it. I hope they can help you too, should you need it. Merry Christmas ♡

“Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.” – Calvin Coolidge.