Finding Joy in the Holiday Season: Embracing the Spirit While Alone
Every year, when the holiday season rolls around, I start feeling a little down. It's not that I don't like the holidays, but, it's hard sometimes, to see all the happy looking families and groups of friends. Being disabled and mainly isolated in the house during the winter is bad enough; but, knowing that friends and family aren't coming to visit can hurt too. The last few years, I've at least had people living with Me, now, I'm living alone again. That made Me start thinking of how I can still find ways to enjoy and embrace the holidays this year. As I was deep in thought, I realized that I can't be the only one who struggles with these feelings this time of year.
The holiday season can stir up a whirlwind of emotions. For those navigating limited mobility or solitude, it can feel isolating and bittersweet. The absence of bustling gatherings or cherished traditions may leave you yearning for a sense of belonging. Yet, even in solitude, there are countless ways for us to find light and joy—to create a season of meaning and warmth that nourishes our hearts; I'm determined to do that this year.
Acknowledging the Emotions of the Season
Feeling alone during the holidays is not abnormal for those who live with limited mobility and chronic illness, and it’s okay to experience sadness or longing. These emotions are valid and human. Still it's important, especially for our mental health, to find ways to gently shift our focus on small joys that remind us of the beauty and hope in the season. I've been struggling with whether I should decorate this year or not. I know that our surroundings can deeply influence our mood. I keep telling Myself that even if I'm alone, decorating can still bring a sense of celebration and comfort.
Have you ever spent the holiday season alone? Do you still decorate? Though I know I should, I'm still wavering back and forth.
If you don't want to pull out the tree and decorate the whole house, here's a few ideas that I've toyed with doing during the holiday season
String up lights, hang ornaments, or display a mini tree. If resources are limited, get creative by making your own decorations, like paper snowflakes or garlands made from colorful scraps.
Infuse your space with holiday scents like granny used to. It's easy, just simmer a pot of water with cinnamon sticks, orange peels, and cloves. For Me, these scents bring up good memories and uplift the spirit.
Let holiday tunes or your favorite holiday films fill your home with love and laughter. I wait all year to break out My R&B Christmas music. If I'm going to do nothing else, I'm listening to the Temptations Christmas album.
Engage in Simple, Heartwarming Crafts
I'm a crafter at heart, but, I hate the idea of not being good at something. This holiday season, I'm challenging Myself to attempt two hobbies that I've had interest in forever, yet, keep putting off. I have all the materials already so before the new year, I'm going to start working on My first miniature kit and attempt to use My crochet started kit. Wish me luck. If crafting is on your radar, but you haven't tried it, or have put it to the side too long, here's 4 ways you can craft through the holiday season:
DIY Ornaments: Use felt, ribbons, or even recycled materials to create personalized ornaments that reflect your personality and brighten your space.
Handmade Holiday Cards: Craft heartfelt cards for friends, family, or neighbors.
Knitting or Crocheting: Create small gifts or decorations, like scarves or a cute hat .
Adult Coloring: Invest in a coloring book and lose yourself in the soothing practice of adding color to intricate designs. This is what I do most as many of you know, but I'm going to get out My comfort zone with the ideas above.
Connect with Your Virtual Community
When you're battling your health and limited mobility during the holiday season, you can still connect to others virtually. Thankfully, with today's technology, we can find and connect with people who share our interests from the comfort of our own homes. 3 ways that you can connect with other virtually during the holiday season are
Host a Virtual Holiday Gathering: Set up a video call to share stories, laugh, and celebrate with loved ones. You could even exchange virtual gifts or cook the same recipe together.
Join Online Events: From virtual crafting sessions to holiday concerts, participating in online activities can bring a sense of festivity and shared experience. Try Eventbrite for free ad low cost events.
Share on Social Media: Post photos of your crafts, decorations, or holiday meals. Engaging with online communities can spark conversations and inspire others.
Find Solace and Meaning in Solitude
I can't lie, one of the things that I love most about the holiday season, is how busy everyone else is. The meetings slow down, replaced by holiday gatherings. People are busier with family and travel and if you're overwhelmed or overworked, that can be a good thing; it means down time. How do you embrace the down time that comes along with spending the holidays alone? Being alone during the holidays can be an opportunity to reconnect with yourself and create new traditions that bring you peace and joy. You can try the following if you're not sure where to start:
Start a Gratitude Journal: Each day, jot down a few things you’re grateful for. As we have discussed in previous blog entries, focusing on gratitude fosters a positive mindset and highlights the beauty in small moments.
Treat Yourself: Cook a special meal, bake holiday cookies, or sip on a warm beverage while watching the twinkle of lights or a holiday movie. These simple pleasures are acts of love toward yourself.
Volunteer Virtually: Helping others can be deeply fulfilling. Write letters to seniors, contribute to online fundraising campaigns, or offer virtual support to a cause you care about. Tis the season after all.
The true essence of the holidays lies in kindness, connection, and joy. Even in moments of solitude, these values can shine brightly. Remember that it’s okay to feel a mix of emotions. Honoring those feelings is the first step toward finding peace. It's perfectly fine to start your own traditions that bring you happiness, no matter how simple they seem. The holidays, even when spent alone, can be a time of reflection, creativity, and joy. By finding small ways to celebrate and leaning into moments of gratitude, you can create a season that uplifts your heart and reminds you of the light that exists—even in the quietest moments.
And don't forget, I'm Stronger Than My Struggles and YOU are too!
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