Loneliness at Christmas: 6 Unique Ways to Overcome It
Sometimes, the best person to spend Christmas with is yourself
Loneliness at Christmas is something many of us experience from time to time. But it’s not until the festive season begins that its weight truly settles in. Though Christmas is often portrayed as a time of connection and joy, it can just as easily bring feelings of isolation.
The hardest part? Seeing couples kissing under the mistletoe, families who seem carefree (yet undeniably overwhelmed) enjoying their holiday festivities, and the sound of giggling friends passing by. And you can’t help but ask yourself: Why me?
It’s easy to slip into a winter depression. While everyone else seems wrapped up in the holiday spirit, you stay isolated at home, away from the sounds of life. You find yourself waiting—like a hibernating bear—for the first signs of spring, hoping to awaken from your winter slumber and start living again.
Netflix becomes your companion, but even that feels like a trap, with an endless stream of Christmas movies only amplifying the sense of loneliness.
But here’s the thing: It’s okay to feel that way!
Loneliness at Christmas is more common than you might think. Studies suggest that around 66% of people feel the same way. While it’s comforting to know you’re not alone, it’s also a gentle reminder: this feeling doesn’t have to define your holiday.
Christmas isn’t just about mistletoe, being surrounded by people, or the constant buzz of joy and laughter.
It can also be a moment to feel grateful—for making it through another year, no matter how challenging it’s been. It’s a season that can hold space for grief, memories, and quiet reflection. A time to pause, recollect yourself, and find meaning in your way.
With that being said, here are my 7 top tips for Loneliness at Christmas
Loneliness at Christmas: My 7 Tips
Virtual Gathering
If you can’t be with your loved ones in person, why not host a virtual gathering?
Sure, it’s not the same as being together, but it can still help ease the loneliness that Christmas sometimes brings. It doesn’t have to be fancy—a simple video call can go a long way in strengthening your connection.
Want to take it up a notch? Add a theme! You could play a board game, decorate the tree together, or even create a little disco party. It might feel a bit silly at first, but trust me, it’s worth it. I’ve been doing this with my family for years—not just for Christmas, but for Halloween too!
Create a joy jar
A joy jar is a wonderful way to bring a little positivity into tough times.
When winter depression hits, it can be hard to notice even the simplest joys in life. A joy jar allows you to collect and carry those moments with you, offering a comforting reminder of the good things whenever you need it.
All you need:
- a jar (or box)
- paper
- a pen
- your imagination
Write down happy memories, favorite quotes, small goals, affirmations, or anything that makes you smile. You can even add trinkets or photos. It’s a simple yet powerful way to rediscover the little sparks of joy that brighten even the darkest days.
Go down memory lane
The Show Must Go On: sometimes, a song can hold more memories than words ever could
As I mentioned above, Christmas is also about grief and a time to reflect. Grieving is never easy, especially when it’s for someone who meant the world to you. It’s tempting to avoid revisiting happy memories, fearing that they’ll lead to tears.
But here’s the truth: allowing yourself to feel and process grief can be a healing gift to yourself.
Looking through old photos—whether on your phone, in photo albums, or even in scrapbooks—can help you connect with those memories and, in turn, with your emotions. Don’t hold back; let the tears flow if they come. Grieving openly is not a sign of weakness but of love and courage.
And it doesn’t have to stop with photos. Art and music can also be powerful ways to remember and process. For example, my dad recently lost his father. At the funeral, Queen’s The Show Must Go On played—a song that has now become his way of grieving and honoring his dad. Every time he listens to it, it brings up memories, both joyful and bittersweet.
Maybe there’s a song, a piece of art, or even a place that reminds you of your loved one. Lean into it. Let it become part of your way of keeping their memory alive this Christmas.
Create your tradition
Common traditions often revolve around sharing them with others, but what if you created traditions that are just for you?
They don’t have to be elaborate—simple ones are often the most meaningful. For example, you could make your favorite comfort food, try out a new hobby, or even put on a one-person dance show. You could even record yourself and add the memory to your joy jar.
Last Christmas, I started a tradition of my own: I recorded myself opening my advent calendar each day. It was my first Christmas outside of the hospital, and the first advent calendar I’d had in years. I captured my reactions, thoughts, and worries, and the next day, I’d reflect on how I felt.
If I was especially proud of myself, I’d celebrate with an unattractive (but highly satisfying) solo dance.
Make a music calendar
Since advent calendars have become ridiculously pricey—and strayed far from the classic kinder chocolate ones—why not simplify the tradition? With some calendars costing thousands (yes, you read that right), it’s time to get creative.
Here’s a budget-friendly and meaningful alternative: create a playlist with 25 songs that bring you joy or hold a special meaning. Every morning, listen to one track as you get ready for the day.
It’s an energy-boosting ritual that sets the tone for a positive start. Plus, it’s a much-needed moment of calm in the chaos of the season.
If you’re feeling crafty and have extra time, why not make your own advent calendar from scratch? Personalizing it can be a fun way to pass the time and add an extra layer of excitement to your holiday countdown.
Some ideas, tips and tricks:
Set Up a “Reverse Advent Calendar”
Got too many clothes, shoes, or food piling up at home? Items sitting in the attic, gathering layers of dust? Why not turn them into something meaningful this Christmas?
Here’s a creative idea: start a “Reverse Advent Calendar.” Each day, add one item to a donation box—something you no longer need but someone else might treasure. You can, of course, add more than one a day, but sometimes it’s good to take time and reflect on what you truly need and what can bring value to someone else’s life.
By Christmas, you’ll have a thoughtful gift ready for your local charity, a family in need, or even a homeless person on the street. It’s a small way to declutter your home while spreading kindness during the festive season.
Become your child self
Growing up, we get so caught up in working to live and living to work that we lose touch with our inner child. That carefree, curious, and creative version of us fades into the background.
But who says we can’t reconnect with that part of ourselves?
As a child, I loved building forts out of blankets, and then curling up inside with my sisters. We’d play Barbies, read books, and chat for hours. It was simple, silly, and absolutely magical. So why can’t I do that now? Why not gather all the blankets I own and create my little cozy retreat, just like I did when I was 13?
What about you? What did you love doing as a kid? Drawing? Dancing? Pretending to be an adventurer in your backyard?
Redefining Loneliness at Christmas
Last year, I spent Christmas feeling the weight of loneliness. But looking back, it taught me something valuable: joy isn’t always about big, festive gatherings.
Sometimes, it’s in the small acts of kindness, the quiet reflections, and the traditions you create for yourself. This year, I hope you find your moments of peace and connection, just as I’ve started to.
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