There are times when you want to be alone, except maybe on significant occasions that spell happiness such as Christmas. Despite the holiday’s religious connotations, it is a day reserved for party binges, whether with family, friends or other people. But, what if you’re not off partying, opening gifts under the Christmas tree, being part of the crowd on the high street, or getting swept off by your special someone under the mistletoe? How do you set about being alone during a festive period?

Christmas All by Yourself

Christmas is traditionally a happy time, especially for people spending it together with family and friends. But, just like any other day, there are many reasons for being alone at Christmas. Perhaps your family is too far to visit or visit you, or you may need to be on duty at work. Even on Christmas, you may receive bad news, grieve your loss, or lick the wounds inflicted by divorce. How can you have the spirit to celebrate Christmas?

It could also be your preference to go into solitude, unconvinced by social norms on how Christmas should be spent. Although it’s a difficult thing to do amidst the merrymaking, you opt to be alone like many who will also be spending Christmas by themselves.

Being Alone Doesn’t Equate to Loneliness

However, being alone doesn’t automatically make you unhappy. It’s important to distinguish solitude from loneliness because they are not the same thing. Being alone or in solitude is the state of seclusion or isolation, whether by choice or not. It’s a positive and constructive private moment with oneself used for inner reflection and personal growth. Loneliness, on the other hand, is a negative state marked by intense unhappiness and emptiness, with the desire to be isolated from the world while wanting to receive attention from anyone who will offer.

Both imply the absence of company, but they are opposite states. Being alone can be scary, but it is essential for your emotional well-being. Whether you choose to be alone or some circumstances have caused you to be alone this Christmas, you can be anything, but far from being lonely.

Solo but not Lonely

To be alone on Christmas is tough even if it’s a matter of choice. There’s no sense joining the hilarity if you don’t feel up to it. However, it can be the time when you’re most vulnerable to loneliness. After all, you’re supposed to be with your loved ones and here you are – in solitude.

If you find yourself alone over the holidays, there are ways to
cheer yourself up. You deserve better than feeling down and out. But, if Christmas heightens your feeling of loneliness, let one of the independently contracted counselors with Carolina Counseling Services – Fuquay-Varina, NC help you enjoy the occasion for yourself. Call to request an appointment.

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