It’s the most wonderful time of the year! But, not for everyone. Many people will be spending the holidays with friends and family enjoying all the traditions of the holidays. But, some of us will be in our Albuquerque apartment or home…alone…away from family…feeling a little gloomy. You miss your family and the traditions you have enjoyed for years, but you have a choice. Have a lonely Christmas or get out and try some of these new holiday traditions to make your Christmas merry!
1. Decorate! Just because you are alone doesn’t mean you don’t need to be in the holiday spirit. Put up your tree, decorate your apartment, and don’t forget to put the presents that have arrived under the tree. You still have to wait until Christmas day to open them!
2. Work. Many companies are staying open on Christmas Day. Not only will you not have to spend the day alone in your apartment, but you’ll be making some much-needed extra money. Take some holiday goodies to share!
3. Volunteer. Helping someone who is less fortunate will make this one of the most meaningful Christmases you’ve had. Community centers and homeless shelters usually have a Christmas dinner and need volunteers to help prepare, serve and clean up. This is one of the best Christmas gifts you can give.
4. Plan Christmas dinner for friends and neighbors who are also alone this Christmas. You are not the only one alone for the holidays. This will also keep you busy preparing for your guests and take your mind off not going home for the holidays.
5. Tackle that project you have been meaning to do. Does the bedroom in your apartment need painting? Or did you want to de-clutter and go through your closets and drawers. Now is the perfect time!
6. Travel: This is a great time to take that long anticipated trip, get away and de-stress!
7. Plan something special. There are many holiday events near your Albuquerque apartment. Call up some friends and have a night on the town.
8. Christmas Eve Service. Check online at the churches in your area for times on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
9. Visit friends and neighbors. Make some Christmas cookies and candies and take them to your friends and neighbors. Now don’t do it all in one day…spread it out over the holidays!
10. Webcam. Thanks to technology you can still see friends and family on Christmas day. If you do not have the technology or your family does not, there is still the phone, which has been a faithful tool for communicating for decades.
I know, none of that takes the place of being home for the holidays. So, if you cannot be with your family for Christmas, plan another time to see them. If you cannot travel to see them, maybe they can take the time to visit you. While it might not be the same as holidays of the past, you can still make it the most wonderful time of the year!
{ 0 comments… add one now }