Four Ways to Celebrate Christmas Day If You Are Forced to Self-Isolate

I have spent Christmas Day on my own a number of times over the years.  Sometimes, I hated it and felt sad, depressed and lonely.  Other years, I had a great time.  The fact that I am a Buddhist and don't celebrate Christmas doesn't seem to make a lot of difference - I still sometimes feel a desire to spend the holiday with friends and loved ones, and am haunted with the ghosts of Christmases past.  And anyway, this holiday is primarily an ancient celebration of the Winter Solstice, so I celebrate it in that context.  

 

This Christmas day, as in 2020, many people are still forced to self-isolate.  If you are one of the people self-isolating at Christmas (or any other time), missing friends, family and good cheer, check out my Coronavirus Resources for music, quizzes, relaxation, humour and more.  

 

Plus go here for an excellent article in the Guardian on four ways to make Christmas on your own more fun, relaxed and enjoyable.  Number four is by far my favourite.  

 

Follow Candace Bond-Theriault's lead and make a list of your favourite Black films, or whatever films you like. 

 

And there's this one from Oprah Daily:   How to Spend Christmas Alone and Still Make It Merry Without Family.  

 

And this excellent piece from Very Well Mind:  Here's How to Cope with holiday loneliness.

 

So there's a wealth of advice out there.  Plan, or don't.  Keep in touch, or take some time and space for yourself.  Prepare a feast for yourself if you want to.  Do what feels best to you and for you.  Place the emphasis on self-care.  The most important thing to remember is:  you are NOT alone.    

Happy holidays!  

What's your best suggestion for spending Christmas Day alone?  Please comment below and please share this with your networks.  Thanks!  

Dealing with Lockdown Loneliness

Loneliness courtesy of NYT

Many of us are having to cope with loneliness during the  coronavirus lockdown.  Not being able to meet up with friends, family members or loved ones can be challenging.  It can be even more difficult for those who are self-isolating.  Some suggestions for dealing with loneliness include: 

•  Embrace the technology!  Stay in touch using video technology, such as Skype or Zoom;  

  
  

  • Plan your day and stick to a schedule;  
   
  • Stay active.  Even a short walk every day can help; 
   
  • Read online articles (like this one) for fun and to increase your knowledge base; 
   
  • Join a Meetup film group or Facebook watch party to view films online with others;
    
   
• Avoid watching too many news programmes about Covid-19, as too much information can be confusing and increase our stress levels.
  

Below, I have listed some resources that can help us to cope with loneliness and isolation.  

 

Personally, I find that helping others is the best way to feel connected - and useful.  That's why I have posted these coronavirus resources.   

 

 What to Do If You Feel Lonely during the Coronavirus Outbreak (advice from the NHS) 

How Singles Can Fight Loneliness during Social Isolation  

How to Cope with Loneliness during the Coronavirus Pandemic 

 

Loneliness during Coronavirus;  

 

Reducing Loneliness among Migrant and Ethnic Minority People; 

Get Support from a Mental Health Charity (advice from the NHS); 

 

Find a local NHS urgent mental health helpline (England only).  

Please share this with your networks and please comment below.  Thanks.