How to Handle Spending the Holidays Alone

Serving others helps us to focus on something outside ourselves and is the greatest way to combat loneliness.

The holiday season is upon us. For some, parties and family gatherings will be attended, and warm memories will be made. Yet, increasingly for many, the holidays are a solitary time of year. Being reminded of all the relationships we may feel we’re missing out on can be especially difficult. Is handling holiday loneliness in a healthy way feasible?

The Thief of Joy​

Remember that “comparison is the thief of joy.” Unfortunately, if you are on social media, life becomes a 24/7 game of comparison, with completely unrealistic expectations based on polished photos of the best parts of other people’s lives.

On the other side, recalling that someone can always be found who is worse off than you isn’t comforting, either. This kind of thinking is quite depressing and again requires comparing oneself to others rather than to oneself.

So, don’t compare. Your neighbors or coworkers may or may not be having a great holiday season surrounded by loved ones. You truly will never know. Leave the comparison at the door, and your loneliness will ease. Choosing not to compare your life with others’ lives is possible but requires some self-discipline, especially with the help of prayer.

Focus on Gratitude​

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