Christmas 2020 is going to be an unusual one for many, with months of enforced lockdown leaving us with a dread of more time spent isolating. At the same time, many Solos don’t want to take the risk of mixing indoors with large numbers of people because we have been cautious while socially distancing for the best part of a year. Celebrating Christmas Day within an indoor group setting is a risk you may not be prepared to take. The festive season often makes people feel nostalgic for years gone by, especially if this time of year brings memories of close family members who are no longer with us. Those feelings are likely to be exacerbated if the lockdown means you’re not able to get together with your nearest and dearest. If you’re spending Christmas alone for the first time this year and want some help and support to get through the festive period, then we hope our tips from experienced Solos will help.
Christmas Day alone is a day we want you to enjoy, even if it’s not how you have usually spent it in years gone by.
Who better to ask and give you some ideas than people who have already experienced solo Christmases? We turned to members of our wonderful Facebook Group, Super Solos Living Alone Community who pulled together some brilliant hints and tips to help you to have the best day possible. Quite a few of our Super Solos have years of experience spending Christmas Day alone, and the overriding message from them is to make it a decadent day of your own pleasing. Here is what they have to say.
A solo Christmas may take a bit of getting used to
For Leigh, her first solo Christmas was quite painful for her, but she has now perfected Christmas for herself and her little dog. This includes making sure they both have gifts to open; getting all the shopping organised in advance and making sure she has lovely food and a bottle of Rioja to enjoy on Christmas Day. Getting out in the fresh air with her dog helps and she’s lucky enough to be able to get some beach action for a nice long walk away from the crowds.
Our four-legged friends can also enjoy a solo Christmas with their owner; as Bertie does. Like Leigh, for Bertie’s mum, there are lots of tasty treats to enjoy, including scrambled eggs and smoked salmon, plus a cheeky Bloody Mary.
Enjoy the festive build-up
For Deborah, it’s all about accepting the 25th December is just another day and it’s the lead up to Christmas which gives her the most enjoyment. Deborah will be celebrating Christmas with her housemates this year, but in the past, she has worked in a hotel bar and last year booked into a hotel, ordering room service and chilling out.
Make sure you treat yourself!
Lesley has spent several Christmases alone and wants all Solos to know the key to enjoyment is to DO SOMETHING FANTASTIC, JUST FOR YOU. You are on your own and are still worth the effort. So, if you’re able to cook a slap-up meal for one, then make sure you do so! She also advises eating chocolate with a tipple if you want and taking a nap if the mood suits. And make sure you check in with the Super Solos Living Alone Facebook Group as she will be available if anybody wants a natter!
Tim really does have Solo Christmases sorted: “After the last three festive seasons on my own, I’ve learnt to turn it into a day purely for my own indulgence. If I want a lie-in, followed by a cooked breakfast, that’s what I do. If I want to read a book or go for a walk, I do. Fancy a film? Just go for it! You have nobody else to please but yourself, so you deserve to make it a great day.”
Planning a smooth Solo Christmas
Many of our Super Solos found their first Solo Christmas a challenge but then go on to say you do get used to it. If you’re feeling anxious about Christmas on your own, it might be a good idea to make plans and have all the things you may need ready to ensure you are looking after yourself properly during the festive period.
Sally-Ann likes to indulge herself with decadent treats, so she starts Christmas Day with Buck’s Fizz at breakfast and then has a day filled with nice food, music and her favourite TV shows.
Anna has spent Christmas on her own for the last 15 years and has honed a nice routine for Christmas Day, which actually starts in January when she buys herself little gifts and stores them away ready to open at Christmas. Her routine includes treating herself to new PJs and a luxurious bath on Christmas Eve, plus a selection of her favourite food. Let’s hope she also gets the white Christmas she is dreaming of!
Liz has a troubled relationship with some of her family members so has decided to spend the day watching TV and listening to music with her dog – indulging in a no-stress Christmas where she is not trying to keep other people happy.
Christmas may compound feelings of past knocks in life
Waking up alone on Christmas Day may be an overwhelming issue for many. It could be your first Christmas alone, and there could be a person-shaped space in your bed which may bring on feelings of sadness. If you’re co-parenting and not with your kids on Christmas morning, the silence when you would otherwise hear your children’s cries of excitement may be deafening.
Feelings of isolation may be compounded this year if you’re grieving or experiencing financial difficulties. Sadly, this is a reality for Solos just as it is for many other people after the pandemic, which has led to job losses, financial challenges as well as bereavements. The advice from Super Solos is not to put pressure on yourself and get into debt to fill the Christmas stockings. Plan what you can afford to spend and explain why your gifts may be smaller or simpler this year.
Solos winning at Christmas
Betty loves living solo! She is in a relationship with a partner who is nine years younger than herself, yet she lives alone and enjoys her own company. She will enjoy some time to reflect this Christmas and finds the festive period restorative.
The advantages of a Solo Christmas
- No need to share your chocolate with anyone!
- No pressure from family members.
- You can take a nap if you want.
- The remote control is yours, all yours!
- You can eat whatever you like, whenever you want!
- It’s a day for indulging yourself on your own terms.
Alternative ways to celebrate Christmas
Pat has been solo for several years, and because she’s not able to travel this year, she will be cooking for her elderly client. Let’s hope they both have a great day together.
Arabella will enjoy watching films – her top choice is, “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
Carol is a keen traveller and in the past has spent solo Christmases on group trips for single travellers, enjoying destinations like the Philippines, Canary Islands and a Caribbean cruise. While travelling isn’t easy because of COVID right now, maybe you could spend some time over Christmas Day planning your dream trip for 2021 or 2022?
Giving back to your community is a great thing to do over the festive season, and Jacqui has heartwarmingly picked up some shifts at work so others can take Christmas off to spend with their families. If you’re worried about the day hanging heavy, is volunteering something you might be able to arrange?
Let’s end on a note of positivity when it comes to spending Christmas Day alone. Take some inspiration from Jeannine and Cass.
Jeannine says, “ I always spend Christmas alone. I make a brunch with cream cheese stuffed French toast, bacon, hash browns, and all the fixings. Usually, with a great cocktail as well. I call all my family and watch fun Christmas shows on TV. I have loved it!”
Cass spent the day alone last year, and it sounds very decadent! “I had Christmas day on my own last year, and it was really nice. I checked myself into a lovely boutique art hotel and served up all my personal favourite foods; mango and melon, a cheese platter, king prawns with dipping sauce, oysters and lobster tail fettucine. Oh, and a bottle of bubbly!” Knowing Cass, she will have another perfect day planned for Christmas 2020!
Spending Christmas Day alone can be a day of your making and blissfully spent alone. No matter what your circumstances are this year, please know there will be others with their own difficulties at this time of year, and you’re not alone. If there’s one thing we know, it is that Christmas Day is an opportunity to try and put any differences aside, remember loved ones who are no longer with us and find peace and sanctuary at home even if it is for just one day. Seasoned Solos, will tell you Christmas Day can be just the day for slowing down and taking it easy on your terms.
We are incredibly proud of our fabulous Super Solos Living Alone Community, and members are encouraged to check into our Facebook Group throughout the day as it’s likely that someone else will want to talk too! Many people who have never experienced a Solo Christmas won’t understand the challenges being alone on Christmas Day can bring. Still, your Super Solo family will endeavour to lend friendly and upbeat support to help you through this time.
We hope our Super Solos have given you some positive ideas and inspiration to make sure you feel good and have the best Solo Christmas! – If anyone in your life has inspired you this year, or you know of someone who’s rocking a Solo Christmas, please let us know in Comments below.
Wishing you all the best for Christmas 2020!
Faith and the Super Solos Team x
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