Spending Xmas solo when you really wish you weren’t?
Spending Christmas Day solo? Yep, it can feel like the longest, most awkwardly quiet day ever- especially when your brain replays those movie scenes of families in matching PJs, perfectly wrapped gifts, and enough food to feed a small country.
Spoiler alert: Reality doesn’t always look like that. Sometimes, spending the day with other people isn’t even the best option (hello, family drama!).
Whether you’re flying solo because of a family meltdown, work commitments, or just pure circumstance—and you’re low-key wishing it wasn’t the case. Don’t worry. Here are some ideas to make the day feel a little less ‘meh’ and a lot more ‘merry.’
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Plan the day ahead
Trust me, this isn’t just some productivity pep talk - it’s damage control. The goal here is to avoid that inevitable spiral of scrolling socials while cracking open a bottle of wine at 10am, only to end up knee-deep in pudding and custard by midday, wondering where it all went wrong. Even if your Christmas plans go up in smoke at the last minute, take a beat to throw together a little game plan for the day.
Waking up solo on Christmas can hit like a punch to the gut. It’s supposed to be a day filled with love, laughter, and that sense of belonging that movies and social media never stop reminding you about. But instead, you’re alone. The weight of it can feel unbearable, like you’re stuck on the outside looking in while everyone else is wrapped in warmth and togetherness.
The loneliness can creep in fast, and it’s easy to start questioning why you don’t have people to share the day with. It hurts.
You might find yourself on the edge of tears before you’ve even made it out of bed.
The temptation to just disappear under the covers is real -anything to avoid feeling like you’re the only one left out.
That’s why planning ahead isn’t just a productivity tip. It’s about taking control of your day before the sadness takes control of you. Even if your Christmas plans fell apart last minute, even if you’re feeling like you’re somehow “less than” because you’re alone, give yourself the gift of a little structure.
You don’t need to go full superhero mode, no intense goal setting, no cleaning spree, no pressure to be your best self when you’re feeling far from it. Just pick a few small, comforting things to fill the hours. Maybe it’s a favorite movie marathon, baking something indulgent just for you, or finally tackling that craft project you’ve been putting off. Little things that remind you that you matter, even if today doesn’t look the way you hoped.
You’re allowed to feel sad. You’re allowed to feel the ache of being alone when it feels like everyone else is surrounded by love. But don’t let the hurt swallow your whole day. Take a few steps to create pockets of comfort. It’s not about pretending everything’s perfect—it’s about taking care of yourself in a way that says, “I’m still here, and I still deserve kindness, even from myself.”
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Plan your snacks and food (and if possible, grab them on Xmas Eve)
Let’s be real: Christmas is supposed to be all about food, family, and togetherness. But when you’re spending it solo, the idea of eating alone hits differently. There’s no bustling kitchen, no shared dishes, no one asking if you want seconds. It’s just you, your snacks, and the kind of quiet that can feel a little too loud.
It’s tempting to drown that feeling in a bag of chips for breakfast, convincing yourself it’s comforting. Spoiler alert: it’s not. By midday, the salt hangover kicks in, and you’re left feeling not just lonely but also a bit gross.
That’s why planning ahead matters. Give yourself the gift of something a bit more satisfying, a meal that feels like you’re taking care of yourself, not just surviving the day. Hit the store on Christmas Eve and grab things you actually enjoy eating. Think comfort food that’s easy to prepare but doesn’t leave you feeling worse. Maybe a ready-made roast from the deli, some festive treats that aren’t just sugar bombs, and a few snacks that feel a little more intentional than impulse grabs.
And if things fall through and you’re caught without supplies? Don’t worry, jump online and see what’s open. There are always a few convenience stores and takeaway spots open, even on Christmas. Just knowing where to go means you won’t end up eating stale crackers alone while everyone else is posting their feast online.
Christmas solo doesn’t have to mean feeling forgotten. It’s about making sure you’re fed, comforted, and reminded that even if today looks different, it doesn’t mean you don’t matter. You do. So take a bit of time to plan your food. It’s one small way to remind yourself you’re worth the effort.
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When you get up, get out of bed
I know. Sounds like something your mum would say, right? But hear me out. The temptation to stay burrowed under the covers is real, especially when it feels like the whole world is out there having the picture-perfect Christmas while you’re... not. Being alone today can feel heavy, like you’re missing out on something fundamental. It’s easy to start spiraling into thoughts of being forgotten or left out.
But here’s the thing—staying in bed all day only makes that feeling louder. Getting up, making your bed, and putting on some clothes (yes, even your comfies) is a tiny act of reclaiming the day. Open the blinds, let in some light, and if the weather’s not completely awful, crack a window. Fresh air has a sneaky way of reminding you that the world’s still spinning, and you’re still part of it.
It’s not about forcing happiness; it’s about creating a little momentum. Even if you end up crawling back into bed later, taking that first step makes a difference. You’re allowed to feel lonely today, but you’re also allowed to make small choices that remind you that you matter.
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Send some Christmas cheer to your mates
Sending a little Xmas cheer to your mates can shift how you feel, even if just for a moment. It’s not about putting on a brave face or faking happiness; it’s about reminding yourself that connections still exist, even if you’re not physically there. A quick DM, text, or post saying, “Hey, just wanted to wish you a Merry Xmas! Hope your day is filled with good food and good vibes!” can make you feel just a bit more connected.
And remember, some of your friends might also be dealing with holiday chaos - awkward family dinners, forced fun, or even their own loneliness. Your message could be the bright spot they didn’t know they needed. It’s not about pretending everything’s fine or pushing through the sadness, it’s just a little reminder that you’re not totally alone, even when it feels that way.
You’re still connected.
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Go for a walk or run
When you’re spending Christmas solo, it can feel like the walls are closing in, the quiet is too loud and your own thoughts are just a bit too much. Sometimes, it’s hard to shake the feeling that you’re stuck while the rest of the world is out there making memories (good or bad).
That’s why getting outside, even for a little while, can make a difference. You don’t have to go far or push yourself too hard. Just getting your body moving can help clear your mind and break up the day. Fresh air, a change of scenery, even just the feeling of your feet hitting the pavement.
Movement is a powerful way to remind yourself that you’re still here, still moving forward, even when it feels like everything else has stopped.
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Keep off the socials if it makes you feel terrible
Just put the show on the TV and turn the phone off. Your soul will thank you. Today and in the future.
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Feeling sad is just one of our many emotions. And it’s okay to feel that way
Feeling a lonely on Christmas Day is often wrapped up with other emotions. Emptiness, nostalgia, regret, anger, frustration, sadness.
We experience a wide range of emotions. And it’s actually okay to sit with the negative ones and let them wash over you (here’s an article which says this much more eloquently than I - https://nickwignall.com/scheduled-sadness/)
But you don’t have to decide to have a terrible day, either. Feeling sad doesn’t mean the whole day is a write-off.
Just choose stuff that will make you feel better - not worse. Sad music and the likes don’t help, but neither does trying to feign happiness.
Just let the day be what it will be.
And if you have a thought that doesn’t nourish or support you - you can always say “I don’t have to think about this right now” and choose another thought.
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It’s called a Holiday. So relax + chill
You don’t need to clean the whole house or get ahead on the washing. Or try and solve the world’s or your family’s problems today.
You are 100% allowed to just mooch on the couch and escape through technology.
Put that phone on airplane mode.
Slather on a face mask.
Read some interesting blogs or books.
Naps are also encouraged.
At the end of the day, it’s another Wednesday or Thursday. Despite what the stores and movies might have you believe, Christmas is just another day on the calendar. The sun will rise, the sun will set, and the world will keep spinning, whether you’re surrounded by a chaotic family gathering or chilling solo on your couch.
It’s okay if today doesn’t feel magical or special. Sometimes it’s just... a day.
Have a slow, chill day with the coolest person you know - you. Because when it comes down to it, today will come and go, just like every other day. And you’ll still be here, figuring it out, one step at a time.
