PEAKLIFE

By Neha Mehrotra

I love everything about Christmas—the quintessential portrayal of the holiday season in movies with elaborate dinners, gift-wrapped packages under a decorative tree, family gatherings—all of it. However, last year, when I had to spend the holiday season away from home, it made me realise that Christmas isn’t always the way it’s portrayed in the movies. While this period threw up some pretty rough feelings for me, it also taught me how to appreciate the holiday season differently.

If you are alone this Christmas and unable to be around family, whether it’s because you’re coping with a recent loss, facing work commitments, family disputes, or dealing with financial constraints to hop on a flight home, it’s important to be patient and compassionate with yourself. While the words “Christmas” and “alone” might sound depressing to you, the upsides are that you can do whatever you want. Create your own traditions, give yourself a little extra dose of TLC, go on a vacation, or even sleep all day—if that’s your idea of fun. There are many ways to enjoy the holiday season when you’re on your own, and here are our top tips for a solo Christmas.

Volunteer for the Needy

Spending the holidays alone can be a hard time, but it’s also the perfect example of how we can turn a negative into a positive. You can spend the day with the less fortunate and volunteer for the needy. There are many organisations, like Volunteering India, Reach Lives NGO, The Robin Hood Army, and more, that are working to provide education, food, shelter, etc. to the underprivileged. Volunteering your time will help you connect with others and allow you to feel fulfilled and grateful.

Catch Up with the Latest Movies and TV Shows

The holidays just don’t feel complete without the movies, do they? Watching movies not only puts you in a good mood, but they also bring a feeling of nostalgia and warmth. If you’re anything like me, you can snuggle up in your most comfortable pyjamas, immerse yourself in a Christmas movie marathon, and perhaps shed a tear or two. But if you don’t feel like embracing the festive spirit at all, you can skip the cliches and watch your favourite movies and shows on repeat.

Indulge in Self-care

Spending Christmas alone doesn’t mean that you cannot get gifts! Give yourself some ‘me time’ and take extra care of yourself. Indulge in an elaborate skincare regime, pamper your body with a bubble bath, engage in some guilt-free online shopping, or laze in bed all day long—the possibilities are endless. To feel festive, you can even decorate your house with candles, fairy lights, or maybe bring in a tree. Do whatever gets you in the best of spirits.

Gorge on an Elaborate Meal

Let Christmas be your cheat day, and treat yourself to something genuinely delicious. Whether you feel like donning the chef’s hat and whipping up an elaborate dinner or opting for your favourite dishes through takeout, the only rule is to savour a proper, indulgent meal—snacks and chocolates don’t count. You can even consider stepping out of the house and pampering yourself with a fancy meal and a dessert or two; who’s counting anyway?

Take a Break

Give yourself a respite not only from your daily routine but also from your familiar surroundings. Numerous hotels and resorts present exclusive packages for a lavish and luxurious Christmas and New Year’s stay. Pamper yourself with delectable meals, festive dinners, enchanting bonfire nights, and immersive destination activities. Go the extra mile for yourself, and don’t forget to immerse yourself in rejuvenating Ayurvedic spa treatments, massages, and various other wellness activities.