Everyone orients to holidays differently. You may attend a big bustling feast with lots of friends and family; you may choose to just see close friends; or you may opt out of celebrating holidays altogether as a way to protect your mental health or for various other personal or logistical reasons. Whichever way you choose to spend the holidays is totally valid! Whether you are someone who is deciding to opt out of celebrating the holiday season, or you are choosing to celebrate but are doing so on your own: there is a lot of stigma about not being surrounded by people on a major holiday. But remember that really, this is just another day! Its meaning or significance is whatever you choose for it to be. So if you are spending a holiday alone, here are some ways you can honor yourself and give meaning to your solo time.

1. Rest & have a self care day

Think about your favorite ways to spend time, and the things that make you the most relaxed and comfy. Try taking a bubble bath, watching a favorite nostalgic movie, or cooking your favorite indulgent meal. Self care could even look like organizing your cabinets or your closet so your days feel less chaotic! Whatever it is that fills you with joy (as long as it doesn’t harm anyone, of course) totally counts.

1. Go for a winter landscape hike/walk

Getting outdoors can provide time and space for reflection, as well as give you endorphins and some beauty to soak in! It can also help you take a step back and out from whatever city or neighborhood you live in, which can be a wonderful way to find clarity.

1. Dedicate the day to giving back

Holidays can often be fixated on buying and receiving gifts and consumerism. Nothing is wrong with that, of course, but you may choose to orient your day around giving back. This could look like making care packages for those in your community who are going without, cooking meals to drop off for neighbors or a local shelter, or volunteering at a community organization to put on a nice holiday gathering for those who don’t have anywhere to go. Remember: giving back can have as small or large a scope as you want - and you can make an impact in a myriad of different ways!

1. Write letters

Writing letters can be therapeutic and provide a feeling of connection even when you’re by yourself. You can write letters to loved ones about what’s happening in your life, what you value about them, what you’re looking forward to, or any other topic that’s on your mind. You can also write letters to people you don’t know who are looking for camaraderie in some way. There are programs through which you can write letters to children in foster care, folks who are incarcerated, etc. Google is your friend here!

1. Call or video chat with loved ones

If connecting with loved ones on a holiday feels important to you but you can’t be with them in person, try setting a phone/video chat date with them before the day comes. Then you’ll know exactly when you’ll get to connect with your person, and have something to look forward to as well as a structured piece of your day. Remember: for some, connecting with loved ones may be harmful or unsettling - that is 100% ok and there is no need to cross that boundary if you don’t feel comfortable.

There are many more strategies and activities for making your holiday season more meaningful if you’re going solo. Check out this wonderful list for more holiday-specific ideas, and if you’re looking for more ways to meaningfully spend time alone (during the holidays or not) this list of ways to have fun alone might do the trick!

What tips for making the most of your alone time did we miss? Feel free to let us know if you have any other advice that you think others might benefit from hearing in the comments!