Surviving Holidays without Family

As the holiday spirit arises, so does the feeling of loneliness in many of us. When you are spending Christmas alone because you are far away from your family or because of lack of communication between family members, there is a sinking feeling in your heart that you cannot seem to shake off. It feels as if the happy Christmas carols are taunting you and reminding you that this year you will not have anyone to sit next to by the fireplace. There will be no gifts to exchange at midnight, there won’t be a nagging mom and a sleepy dad to make you roll your eyes. We know that the holidays aren’t always easy, here are a few survival tips for spending the holidays without your family:

1. Stay busy.
2. Volunteer.
3. Pick your family.
4. Seek professional help.

We need to keep the mind busy before the memories come in like waves of sadness. Get up early, make a big healthy breakfast, read the news, go to work, go workout, make dinner, watch your favorite movies, go to bed early, be a productive citizen, a healthy human, and work on yourself.

Believe it or not, there are people that are having a harder time than you. There are people that will also be alone on the holidays, and they won’t have a bed to sleep in, or a meal in the morning, nor fresh clothes, nor a job, or anything to keep them busy. Instead of feeling sorry for yourself, go help those that need it most. Volunteer at a food bank, help run a food drive, clean out your closet and donate, get a group of volunteers together to give out meals! There is so much you can do for the world!

Many say that our friends are the family we get to choose. Find that group of friends. Talk to people at work, school, church, volunteer organizations and you will find that you are not the only one who is lonely and homesick. Create bonds with people that share your interests and goals. Invite them over for dinner and game night. Create your own kind of family.

There is no shame in feeling lonely, and it is no secret that loneliness can lead to depression. Don’t let this happen! You are a valuable human being that deserves to be validated and loved. Help yourself. Do not let social stigmas about therapy and counseling. Love yourself enough to rise above the social constructs and take care of yourself.

We know these tips won’t work all the time. We know that it will still be hard and that you will still feel down. But we want you to know that we are here for you.