Overcoming Loneliness this Christmas
By Kerry-Ann Cox

Christmas is one of those times when the social norm is to get together with our families even if you never see them during the year. For those people who are isolated from their families, or do not have a family, it can be a time of great loneliness and even depression.

The day can remind us of what we do not have in our lives. Even if this does not bother us at any other time of the year, it can get to us at Christmas. The thought that everyone else is with their families can really weigh upon us.

There are many people who will be alone on Christmas day, so don't think that you are the only one, or that you are in any way a failure if you find yourself without company at this time.

There are a number of things that you can do to make the day more pleasant for yourself.

1) Plan a special day for yourself.

Plan to spoil yourself on Christmas Day. Plan a number of things that you really enjoy doing.

Hire your favorite video,
Read a good book.
Buy some beautiful fresh flowers for your house.
Buy yourself a present and wrap it and put it under the tree.
Even though it is just you, make a special meal with all your favourite foods.
Take a picnic to your favourite spot.
Listen to your favourite music.
Go out and see a Christmas play.
Go to Church

2) Go out to lunch or on an organized tour

Getting out and meeting others can be a great way to spend your day. You might even make some new friends.

Talk to your local council, they will know where a community Christmas meal will be served.

Travel agents and local councils will be able to put you in touch with people organizing tours on Christmas day. There may be trips to the country where you will have a nice meal. Or there may be tours of Christmas scenes and lights.

3) Help others

Help out at a homeless shelter for the day and spread Christmas cheer to others. The Salvation Army or other church organizations or poverty groups will be grateful for any help you can offer. Helping others is always a great way to cheer yourself up.

4) Invite others over for a Christmas meal.

If you know of others who are going to be alone you can invite them over for a meal. You can delegate so everyone brings something to eat and make sure everyone knows what time you are expecting them.

Make sure you decide before hand whether you want to exchange gifts or not. That way no one will be embarrassed by not having gifts for the others.

This is only a small sample of ways to enjoy your Christmas more. I am sure you can come up with others. The idea is to plan your day and fill it with things you enjoy. When you do this, you will have something to look forward to on the day, instead of a long day spent alone, thinking about all the things you are missing.

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