Freo Family Advent Calendar Series: Loneliness

by Isabella Kumpf

Have you seen our Holiday Advent Calendar yet?

Each day brings a new door, featuring a new surprise. Packed with festive cheer, exclusive offers, engaging content, and more.

It’s our way of adding a little extra sparkle to your Christmas countdown! Don’t miss out—follow the link to explore today’s gift, and make your season even brighter.

Check back daily to uncover special treats and inspiration, just for you!

**How to Spend the Holidays Alone**

Are you spending the festive season alone this year? Holidays are always challenging for those without a supportive network, and grief can add another layer of difficulty to the situation. The holiday season can feel lonely, and the media tends to portray the Christmas season as an occasion that is unrealistically perfect; filled with family, food and festive singing. For many, this is not always the case.

Here are some tips from us on how to overcome feelings of loneliness, or simply how to connect a little bit more with yourself this winter season, whether you live in a big city or a small town.

Plan Your Days

Having a bit of a structure gives you something to genuinely look forward to each day. Make a film/sport/video game schedule that lifts your spirits each day. Wrap a present for yourself and open it on Christmas Day. Plan a trip to another city. Everything with a little intentionality!

Make your home a lovely, welcoming place for yourself to enjoy! Decorate your surroundings, buy/pick some flowers, or find something in nature that you can take home and use to decorate.

Fill your home with the smell of freshly baked bread or pastries. Cook a good meal that you haven't eaten in a while and can use leftovers. Listen to some Christmas music or just sing along to your favourite pop song. Take an early walk outside, nature always helps and makes you look inside. Treat yourself to some snacks. Get a newspaper and look for interesting articles, or go to the library and look for interesting books or audio books. Use candles or fairy lights to create a cosy light.

Is there a project you've been meaning to get started on but just haven't had the time?

Want to Fully Lean into the Holiday Spirit?

There are so many wonderful ways to celebrate the holidays! Mark your calendar for December events that interest you and make the most of the season.

You could pick up a real tree, get tickets to a holiday brass band, attend a religious service, have a look at the dates of all the craft markets, take some drives or walks through decorated, lit-up neighbourhoods, bake cookies or waffles for coworkers and neighbours, and check out the tree-lighting events.

Don't let other people's perceptions affect you. Take part in what makes you happy and keeps you occupied. Create your own new traditions.

Don't Isolate Yourself Completely

It's always a good idea to check in with people every so often, even if it's just a quick phone call or a short message.

Why not pop into your local café or pub? Whether you want to have a chat or just have a drink and soak up the atmosphere depends on your mood for the day. Maybe you are willing to strike up a conversation with people you don't know and push yourself a little out of your comfort zone?

“strike up a conversation with people you don't know and push yourself a little out of your comfort zone”

Plan some activities that are outside the house and in public spaces. Even a stop at the supermarket for a little treat is a nice change of scenery! Are there running groups in parks in your area? Some places serve Christmas dinner and some offer it for free. Maybe you could volunteer one day and help serve meals, assist in a homeless shelter, soup kitchen or residential home? Online communities can work just as well: You may be able to find Meetup groups in your area on social media.

This is also a great time to try out new things - why not sign up for a pottery class or a ceramics course?

Give Yourself Permission to Feel Your Feelings, but also to Release Them Again.

If you're feeling lonely or alone, or missing someone special, accept those feelings. The intense feelings will be there, so work out how to make them less intense and/or what you can do to still take care of yourself on those days. Try to actively remind yourself that these feelings are normal and valid and only show how much love you have within you. Take a moment to appreciate that you have the capacity to carry so much love.

Don't let it overwhelm you, though. If you can, try to write down how they affect you and what you're missing and why. Getting out of your environment for a walk can also have a calming effect.

Animal Care and Welfare

Fostering a dog over the Christmas period while the rescues close is a great way to give a dog a relaxing few days away from the shelter, and you'll get to enjoy some quality time out of the house!

If there is a Christmas market nearby, you can look at the nativity scene, which is usually open to the public, and pet the sheep and donkeys.

It's always harder for birds and squirrels to find food in winter. Have a look at what's good for them and head to a place where you can spend a few minutes. You might be lucky and see them enjoying your little treat.

Choose Yourself

Spend five days relaxing, resetting and reconnecting with yourself! Everyone has self-care needs and wants that are sometimes difficult to fit into our daily lives. It will be rejuvenating. Use the time to reflect on what you want for yourself, set some goals. There are some things that feel even more relaxing when you know that everything around you is hectic: pedicures, facials, new nail polish, stretching, journaling, your favourite yoga practice, meditation, reading, watching your favourite soap, a cup of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream, going for a walk…

Do what makes you feel most comfortable and confident. Find solace in the ordinary. Being on your own gives you a chance to connect with nature and your surroundings, because you can focus on them fully. Whatever your heart and body desire for relaxation and mindfulness.

Always Remember: You are loved and you are not alone!

Don’t forget to check out our Holiday Advent Calendar!

Follow the link to explore today’s gift, and check back daily to uncover special treats and inspiration, just for you!

How to Spend the Holidays Alone