In addition to sparing yourself the emotional damage of family drama, being alone during the holidays offers a rare opportunity to celebrate in a way that you and Only you would like. So yes, being alone at home during that time of year often marked by group play is tough for a number of reasons, it doesn’t have to be completely dull. Below, grab dozens of ideas for solo holiday do-it-yourselfers that will make you feel loved, entertained, and happy.
38 really fun ideas to do during the holidays alone
1. Read every book you said you wanted to read last year but didn’t
Every Christmas, I ask for five or six books and read half of them in a week. For the rest of the year, the options left in my TBR pile remained completely neglected. If this is relevant, you might as well go back to reading more while you have some quiet time.
But related story
2. Rollerblade around your house to the Supremes’ Merry Christmas album
This is a great idea for solo vacation things to do if you A. have enough space, B. have smooth hardwood floors, and C. have dusty roller skates under your bed since summer ended. Turning your house into a do-it-yourself roller skating rink and launching “My Favorite Things” seems to me like a pretty dream come true.
3. Bake some Christmas cookies and enjoy without sharing
If you, like many Americans, find the whole baking process light, try one of our healthy holiday cookie recipes. Or, you know, pre-cut chocolate chip cookie dough is always an option.
4. Or be more selfless by treating and sharing with someone in your neighborhood
Finally, it’s a great time of year to do the (contactless) dessert swap, so see if the locals might be interested.
5. Clear out your closet to donate clothes
Many of us are giving up the life of hard shorts in favor of wearing tight fitting suits. However, that’s no reason to waste those great jeans! So take this opportunity to clean out your closet and share the wealth of clothes.
6. Wear your best winter outfit
Wearing an outfit can sometimes help change our perception of ourselves, so if you want to feel like a Sugar Plum Fairy, ditch your tights (just a little!) for fabric. tunnel.
7. Play Secret Santa for Someone Who Can Actually Use TLC
Perhaps this means sending a gift basket to the bride who has reorganized and canceled the wedding three times. Or maybe it means something else—the sky is the limit.
8. Put your real photo in album
If you can’t be with your loved ones in person, embrace their other excuses by finally finding your old snapshots a permanent home.
9. Manage your dream bubble bath
Pinterest is filled with so many great ways to take a dip. Consider a sparkling bath bomb, some dried rose and lavender, or even a milky bath, à la Christmas Queen Mariah Carey.
10. Make your own festive cocktail with all the decorations
I love to play with pomegranate juice and prosecco this time of year, or make the most of my St-Germain to drink elderflower flavored drinks. But, there are no rules here.
11. Host your own mid-century party on Zoom
I mean, I guess on Crazy man No one is sitting on their MacBook, waiting for their turn to talk, but you know what I mean. Gather others who are also confused about what to do during their days off alone to organize a vintage themed gathering. The 60s, the 2000s or literally any other era that doesn’t include this abandoned past year will do.
12. Sleeping for a whole year
If you have the option to hibernate ’til this whole thing is over, all the better.
13. Read your 2021 horoscope and make some action points
Next year is astrologically complicated but ultimately looks more optimistic and you can thank Aquarius for that. Check out the good things that are coming your way in your 2021 horoscope, then write down the ways you manifest the reading into reality.
14. Write year-end gratitude letters to those who have helped you throughout 2020
You know those. Practicing gratitude makes us feel better, but expressing that gratitude to others is even better.
15. Make Christmas Cards Extremely Ironic
Nothing beats this ode to 2020, but you can try it for free.
16. Plan an ultra-luxurious trip for next year
Even if that just means adding a bunch of Austria photos to your Pinterest board or flipping through an AirBnb listing in Vermont, remember that eventually we’ll be allowed to safely leave the house. Get excited when that time comes.
17. Order an experiential gift—for yourself
Sound bath? Tarot-card reading? There are so many fun and healing experiences that you can now do virtual.
18. Call someone older or younger than you who may be lonely
Intergenerational friendships can be a positive experience for both parties, so why not take this opportunity to connect with someone?
19. Renovating your home will keep you happy during these dark times
And obviously, it can be a change that has absolutely nothing to do with the holidays and everything to do with intentionally aroused joy during this grim season.
20. See if you can finish this whole damn online course
What do you want to learn? How to be mentally fit? Inside and outside of the human body? The basics for cooking any meal that isn’t Mac and Kraft cheese? Your oyster world.
21. Adopt a dog
If you can foster, adopt, or even just spend some time with an animal this season, you’ll reap some serious benefits.
22. Wrap yourself in a weighted blanket, make a glass of mulled wine, and compare every version of Little woman
ALL. SINGLE. VERSION. could also be Christmas Songsor The Grinch—anything with a lot of adaptability that makes you feel super cozy will do.
23. See the show that has been recommended to you for six years
I specifically mentioned Schitt Creekwhich is really great and fun as people say.
24. There is a day without technology
Having an untouchable day resets you and reduces stress levels.
25. Put decorations into your hairstyle
Add in whatever: Glitter, ornaments, Elf on the Shelf—anything that makes you feel like a human holiday ornament.
26. Throw a Dance Party in the Kitchen with “Christmas Wrapped” by The Waitress
It’s the best Christmas song of all time (don’t @ me) because it has a cohesive plot and a very happy ending. Throw a tantrum over being alone during the holidays – I know I always do when it comes.
27. Or listen to the most confusing Christmas albums out there
I think about Billy Idol’s Christmas album every day of my life.
28. Find a winter wonderland atmosphere to project in the background of your day
There is a very specific visual ASMR video corner that is a descendant of the yule diary and a very important part of my seasonal affective disorder self-care kit. I love this Christmas cafe, this quaint rainbow-lit house and this beautiful living room, complete with holly branches.
29. Watch the movie Dolly Parton Christmas on the Square with a loved one on Netflix Party
It’s crazy, brilliant, and possibly one of the wildest rides I’ve ever been on. So use one of the ways to watch movies online together with others, even when separated by physical distance and enjoy.
30. Color code your bookshelf
My friend did this while dealing with cross-country travel in the middle of a pandemic, and what can I say? It perfectly brightens up any space.
31. Gather with some locals and explore friluftsliv
Grab your mask, put on some snowshoes, find some friends, and indulge in the Nordic tradition of taking part in winter outdoor activities.
32. Refocus yourself, because you may need it
Loving-kindness meditation can be a good way to fill yourself with compassion and self-love.
33. Have a nice manicure
I’m typing this with mermaid blue nails, and looking down at them do make me happier. So feel free to do your own nail routine and hard at glitter makeup.
34. Organize your spice rack
Well+Good News writer Kara Jillian Brown says she likes to arrange spices in order of height so she knows where everything is, so why not gift yourself a complete pantry. perfect this season?
35. Reinventing a family recipe that is usually a main dish at this time of year
For me it’s always been my YiaYia’s avgolemono soup, but I suppose for you it’s Not my YiaYia’s avgolemono soup. Whatever it is, it will help you connect with the lonely part of the traditional longing for alone holidays.
36. Boost your Baby Yoda content
He is truly perfect, and I wouldn’t even appreciate this with a greater elaboration.
37. Investigate volunteering opportunities for 2021 or volunteer throughout the season
As senior food writer Emily Laurence pointed out to me, doing so lifts your spirits and lifts the spirits of others. Volunteering gives you purpose, prolongs your life and makes the world a better place all with one selfless effort.
38. Do whatever you want, as long as you practice loving-kindness while doing it
Whether you’re alone or not, the holidays are only a few days away—if you’re not the happiest person in the world this year, don’t stay. The sun will continue to rise, and many more days will follow.
