5 tips on what you can do alone at Christmas
Christmas is considered the festival of love, togetherness and joy. "However, there are also many people who have a queasy feeling at the thought of the holidays because they are alone, have no family or - quite simply - don't feel like celebrating Christmas all the time," says Jutta Dreyer, family therapist and head of pme Lebenslagencoaching.
5 tips from family therapist Jutta Dreyer on how you can spend the Christmas holidays without a big family celebration.
1. do something: concerts, theater, party
While others are singing carols under the Christmas tree, the Christmas holidays are also ideal for simply going out and meeting nice people. There are many events on Christmas Eve where you can get to know people: Whether concerts, church services, theater performances or parties or - for the elderly - celebrations in retirement homes or other social facilities.
Take a look at the local events program, the local museums in the larger cities are also usually open on 25 and 26 December. Enjoy the peace and quiet of almost empty museums. When others are lying on the couch after a roast goose, you can enjoy the art all to yourself.
2. take a short trip
Have you wanted to travel over Christmas for a long time? Then just do it. There are plenty of Christmas travel specials to suit all budgets. Many tour operators offer trips for singles or group trips for single people where you can meet like-minded people.
3. invite friends
Do you prefer to celebrate traditionally and miss the family atmosphere? Invite friends over to your home or meet up with old friends for a Christmas after-party cocktail. Ask around in your circle of friends. You're sure to find people who feel the same way. Perhaps you also have good friends who invite you to spend time with their family
Incidentally, it helps to be flexible when choosing the right day - some people like to use Christmas Eve to get together with close family. For many, Christmas Day and Boxing Day are no longer "traditional" holidays. These usually belong to friends or distant relatives.
4. reward yourself
Don't have anyone to give a present to? Then treat yourself to something you've always wanted. Set the table festively, decorate your Christmas tree festively and cook yourself something good. Or make your own pampering program - a nice bath, a good book, good music or your favourite films. Don't forbid yourself to get sentimental at this time. Allow it to happen. You'll often feel much better by then.
5. help other people
Giving is often better than receiving. Visit people who are lonely and helpless - for example in a retirement home or hospital. These people are happy to have company. However, it is important to offer support in good time and not just turn up at the last minute. This way you can find out if and what help is needed.
Last but not least: You don't have to do anything!
Anything goes, nothing has to. It's also okay to spend the Christmas holidays working, for example, doing your tax return and doing nothing else special. You don't have to take the Christmas hype so seriously.
