The holidays are a time for friends and family, and for laughter and cheer—but what about for those of us who don’t live near family? We know it might be tough to motivate yourself, but know there are so many options for those who are alone during the holidays.
You can volunteer, visit a restaurant and sit at the bar, or check for activities at your local community center. No matter what you prefer to do, there are so many options for activities, and you don’t need to spend the holidays alone—you only need to find the courage to put yourself out there.
1. Volunteer
Our number one suggestion for what to do during the holidays when you are alone is to spend your time volunteering. Many non-profits like churches, animal shelters, and homeless shelters struggle to find enough help during the holiday season, and they are often thankful for any help you can offer. Chances are, you’ll feel great doing it too.
Churches and homeless shelters may ask you to help serve a dinner, and there may be options that allow you to sit. Animal shelters typically require more mobility, but it can be something as simple as delivering dinner to each kennel. Either way, you never know until you offer your time and assistance.
2. Look for Community Events
Many community centers and libraries have holiday events. These can range from parties to silent auctions to even just a coffee and chat. Regardless, you never know what is available until you visit and see what they have to offer! You never know what you may end up doing!
It is also worth noting that many community centers want to offer these types of things, but may not have enough organizers. So, if your local center doesn’t have a holiday event planned, volunteer to plan one!
3. Head to a Restaurant
Most humans spend at least a small portion of their lives alone, us included. One of our favorite “tricks” when we were alone on the holidays was to head to a local restaurant with a bar. Most people don’t know this, but you can sit at the bar and order only a water or soda; ordering alcohol isn’t required.
You can also typically order food, sometimes even at a discount if it’s happy hour! Unlike at a table, the bartender is right there, and if they aren’t too busy, they are often happy to strike up a conversation. Additionally, if there are other customers alone, they’ll be sitting at the bar too! While we aren’t saying you’ll make lifelong friends at the local Red Lobster bar, we do think this will help you feel less alone on the holidays.
Note that many restaurants like Applebee’s, Red Lobster, and Buffalo Wild Wings all have locations open on Christmas Day. Note that not all locations are open, so be sure to call first.
4. Phone a Friend
Just because you don’t live near your family or friends doesn’t mean the phone is broken on the holidays. In fact, you’re more likely to get them to answer as long as they aren’t actively eating Christmas dinner!
We recommend using a program like FaceTime, Zoom, or another social media platform to call your friend, as these include video features, which can help you to feel less alone.
5. Go See a Movie
Most movie theaters are open on Christmas Day, and honestly, even if you had a friend to go with, it’s not like you would be able to talk to them anyway! Seeing a movie alone is one of our guilty pleasures, because you can see whatever you want and you don’t have to share the snacks!
We do recommend buying tickets in advance, especially if you want to see a specific movie, as you won’t be the only one headed to the theater on Christmas Day! Also, arrive early so you have time to get in line and buy snacks.
6. Play a Board Game Online
To be honest, we have both spent holidays with family, and alone, and it’s hard to say what the difference is, other than having other bodies in the room. With the advent of social media and technology, we find ourselves sitting in a circle scrolling more often than not. Except, of course, in the evenings when we pull out the board games.
Thanks to the website Board Games Arena, you don’t need to be physically with family and friends to play board games with them. With a collection of over 1,193 games, we guarantee you will find something that you all like to play. While we love this site, we do need to mention that not all board games are free. About 30% of the website is “premium,” and you must pay for access to those games—however, the cost is just $36 a year, and only one person in your friend/family group needs to buy it, and then they can invite everyone to play with them—which is totally worth it!
Even if you don’t have family and friends who want to play board games online, Board Games Arena allows you to play with individuals all over the world, for free (anyone with a premium subscription can invite you to their table!) So even if you feel totally alone in this world, you can enjoy playing a board game with a kind stranger online this holiday season. You can also play the free games with other players around the world, you just start a table and see who joins!
Overall, it can be tough to spend the holidays alone, but you have options! Whether you choose to spend your time volunteering, watching a film, or playing board games online, there are so many ways to pass the holiday season. You just need to take a deep breath and be brave enough to try something new! You’ve got this! Happy Holidays!
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