How to spend Christmas alone, and enjoy it

Plan the day a little

The hardest Christmas is the one with no plan, when the day stretches out and everyone else seems busy. Write down three things for the morning, the afternoon and the evening. They can be tiny. A plan turns “nothing to do” into “my day”.

1. A slow breakfast

   Pancakes, a pastry from the bakery the day before, the good coffee. Make it feel different from a weekday.

2. Open something

   Wrap a present for yourself in advance, or save a parcel from a friend for the morning.

3. Get outside early

   Streets are quiet on Christmas morning. A walk in the cold light is a good start to any day.

4. Cook the meal you actually like

   No turkey needed. Make your favourite dish, or the one your family always made.

5. A film marathon

   Pick three in advance, so you don’t spend an hour scrolling.

Stay close to people, from far away

6. Book calls at set times

   Agree times with family and friends before the day. Something to look forward to at 11 and at 6 makes the day feel shorter in a good way.

7. Eat together on video

   Put the phone at the end of the table and have lunch “with” your family.

8. Send a thank-you round

   Message five people who made your year better and tell them why. You’ll get replies all day.

9. Join something

   Many cities have open Christmas lunches, events for students and newcomers, and online meetups. Look a week ahead; places fill up.

10. Read the messages people left you

    If friends filled your Christmas tree during December, Christmas morning is when it opens. It’s a lovely way to wake up.

Give back

11. Volunteer

    Food banks, shelters and community kitchens need people around Christmas. Ask in November; many slots are taken early.

12. Check on a neighbour

    Someone nearby may be alone too. A knock and a plate of cookies can make both your days.

13. Donate in someone’s name

    A small donation to a cause a friend cares about makes a meaningful gift.

Rest

14. Do nothing on purpose

    A bath, a book, an early night. Rest is a fine way to spend a holiday.

15. Write about the year

    Three good things that happened, three things you learned, one thing for next year.

Get ready a few days before

• Shop two days early. In many countries most shops close on Christmas Day, and some on Boxing Day too.
• Check public transport. Trains and buses often run a reduced timetable, or none at all, on December 25.
• Download films and music, and charge your phone, laptop and headphones.
• Book any lunch or event in advance, and put the call times in your calendar.
• Buy one small treat you would never buy on a normal day.

Christmas in a new country

If you are studying or working abroad, December can feel lonely while the city empties out. Ask your university or workplace about holiday events: many run lunches and trips for people who stay. Look for a group of people from your home country, too; there is often a dinner you can join.

Or host one. Lots of people are in the same situation and too shy to say so. A message like “Staying here for Christmas? Come for lunch, bring one dish from home” can fill a table with new friends.

Start a tradition of your own

• A walk to the same viewpoint every Christmas morning.
• A film you watch every year, wherever you are.
• A letter to yourself, opened next Christmas.
• A dish from home you cook every year, even if it takes all afternoon.

If it feels heavy

It’s normal to feel low on a day that is supposed to be happy, especially away from home or after a hard year. Tell someone you trust how you feel, even by text. If it feels like too much, contact a support line where you live: in the US you can call or text 988, and in the UK and Ireland Samaritans answer on 116 123, day and night, including Christmas.

Plan a Christmas morning surprise for yourself

Make a Christmas tree in December, share the link with friends and family, and let them hang messages on it. You won’t be able to read them until Christmas Day, so the morning starts with a tree full of kind words.