Alone for Christmas
Art: iStockphoto/Kim258
Having been single my entire adult life, I know the feeling of sitting in an apartment alone on Christmas day. One thing I've noticed: Being alone during the holidays can be very depressing. So here's my advice to anyone alone this Christmas.
Look for opportunities to spend time with people in your community.
- Numerous churches hold Christmas eve services that last about an hour. Much of the music will consist of traditional Christmas hymns like Silent Night and Away in a Manger.
- If you have a friend or relative in a nursing home or hospital, try to visit them. Years ago I had a friend dying of AIDS and visited him in the hospital on Christmas day. He was glad to have a visitor. If you cannot visit family members or friends, try calling them.
- If possible, avoid eating at home. Contact people in your church's singles group. Perhaps some of them are getting together for a meal. Also, some restaurants will be open on Christmas day.
Fill your time with productive tasks.
- If you are at home on Christmas day, try reading a book. You may also read the Christmas story in the Bible (Matthew 1-2 and Luke 2).
- Set aside some time to pray for family and friends. You may use your high school yearbooks or Facebook friends list as a prayer list.
- If you are into setting goals, get a head start on your New Year's Resolutions and start on Christmas day.
- Go for a walk. Get some exercise.
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