Solo holidays can be awesome

I know firsthand! ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ [Healthline]( [Wellness Wire]( Presented by [Sunmed]( In a Nutshell I’d spent every holiday with my family until 2020. Then I moved 100+ miles away from home days before the COVID-19 pandemic –– and the social distancing protocols –– rocked our world. Since then, I’ve spent most major holidays sitting in my apartment by myself, feeling serious FOMO as I watched everyone else celebrate with loved ones on social media. That is, until I learned to make the most of it! Today, I’m going to share with you how I’ve turned lonely holidays into solo celebrations. But first, here are some stories I think you might like: • [7 mood boosters that don’t cost a thing!]( • [8 stretches to try before bed for better sleep]( • [Tips to keep your home germ-free this winter]( Be well, Morgan Mandriota Newsletter Editor, Healthline Written by Morgan Mandriota December 18, 2023 • 3 min read [I never thought I’d actually enjoy spending holidays alone …]( what’s got us buzzing [I never thought I’d actually enjoy spending holidays alone …]( My first solo holiday was Easter 2020. I FaceTimed my parents as they made our traditional Italian struffoli and I grieved this change in decades-old routine. Days later, they mailed me some treats with a handwritten letter saying how much they missed me. Cue the heartbreak. Future holidays were just as lonely but carried fewer feelings of [regret](, sadness, and isolation as time went on. Honestly, I think the worst part was scrolling through Instagram and seeing everyone partying with their families, kissing partners under mistletoe, and filling my feed with cute photos I wanted to report simply out of spite. Then I turned things around, aka stopped being a mope and started celebrating in my own ways. While I prefer to be with my loved ones, it turns out solo holidays can be pretty great! And they definitely don’t have to be so sad. The magic lies in doing whatever you want that brings you joy. Here’s a short list of what I like most: - Not sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic for hours on end - [Focusing on self-care]( by taking a hot shower, gaming, and journaling - Wandering around the empty streets of my typically touristy town - Baking cookies and eating them all by myself - Watching movies in comfy clothes under a million blankets - Blasting music while putting up the tree - Picking up seasonal desserts from local farms - Decorating my apartment with stockings for me and my cat - Coordinating future gatherings with friends or family - Sleeping in without worrying about having anywhere to go - [Buying myself gifts]( because I deserve them! Need more ideas? If you’ll be riding solo this year, there are plenty of ways to celebrate and [stay connected](. In addition to what I listed above, you can also consider: - Volunteering somewhere - Baking treats and sharing them with your neighbors - Making a fancy dinner (with a mocktail or two) - Hosting a Zoom event with your loved ones - Adopting or fostering a pet (so you’ll never be alone!) [coping tips for lonely holidays]( Great finds Aromatherapy, anyone? [Nature's Truth Lavender Essential Oil]( [Nature's Truth Lavender Essential Oil]( Lavender is my favorite scent, and it has pretty awesome [health benefits](, too. It can relieve anxiety and boost skin health … or just make your home smell nice. You could add this essential oil to a bath, use it with a carrier oil during a massage, or burn it in a diffuser. I diffuse lavender oil in my bedroom all the time, and it’s so soothing, especially right before I fall asleep. [Buy now]( Every product we recommend has gone through either [Healthline's]( or Optum Store’s vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Store are owned by RVO Health. [Get the Wellness Wire Wishlist!]( Want health and wellness products that actually work? We vet and review hundreds of brands, services, and products to help you live better. Sign up for the Wishlist to get our recommendations and exclusive deals. [JOIN HERE]( Presented by [Zenni]( [CBD gummies for any occasion]( Chew on This [CBD gummies for any occasion]( This time of year may feel especially stressful. We get it: You have a lot going on in your personal and professional lives before the year is over! And your usual go-to methods to [relieve stress]( might not be enough. CBD may help you sleep better, relieve pain, and help reduce anxiety. If you’re considering trying it, [Sunmed’s wide array of chewables]( may be something you want to consider. Check with your doctors if you have any questions before using. Just for you: Get 30% off any order when you use the code “HEALTH30”! [FIND ONE FOR YOU]( Advertisement [Chew on This CBD Gummy]( Sunmed’s variety of CBD gummies might help with anxiety, sleep troubles, and more. [SHOP NOW [→]]( [Chew on This CBD Gummy]( health stories you need What we’re reading next [] 🌱 [9 herbs and spices that fight inflammation.]( Keep inflammation at bay while adding flavor to your favorite dishes. ✨ [How to prepare your home for the holidays.]( Read this advice from a professional cleaner. 💪🏻 [Best exercises for strengthening your bladder.]( Plus other treatment options for my fellow friends with overactive bladders. 😬 [The difference between chronic and acute stress]( They can affect your life in their own unique ways. Thanks for reading! How are you spending the holiday season this year? Any big events or activities you’re looking forward to? Share your plans with us at wellnesswire@healthline.com. Until next time, [healthline]( Take care of yourself, and we’ll see you again soon! [Telegram] This edition was powered by solitude. [fb]( [tiktok]( [X]( [youtube]( [insta]( [View in browser]( Did a friend send you this email? [Subscribe here.]( To see all newsletters, [click here.]( [Privacy]( | [Unsubscribe]( Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healthline encourages you to make any treatment decisions with your healthcare professional. Healthline is owned by RVO Health. © 2023 Healthline Media LLC 275 7th Ave., 24th Floor New York, NY 10001