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Enjoy Being Alone During the Holidays
Few people choose to be alone on major holidays. But, whether the cause is anticipated - it's the ex-spouse's turn to have the kids and they've flown to Hawaii - or suddenly inflicted - a blizzard blows into town, closing highways and airports for a day or two - everyone winds up as a solo reveler now and then.
Steps:
1. Treat yourself to a vacation you've always wanted to take, whether it's a cruise, a week at a ski resort or a New York shopping-and-theater binge.
2. Cook your favorite dinner, light a fire, curl up on the sofa and watch a feel-good video.
3. Start that book you've been meaning to read, or reread a childhood favorite.
4. Pick up the phone and call a friend who always makes you laugh.
5. Write in your journal, or start one.
6. Get around to projects you've been putting off, such as making a scrapbook of last year's vacation mementos, painting the bathroom or refinishing that antique dresser Aunt Louise left you. Most likely you'll find the process meditative, and you'll have lasting results to show for your efforts.
7. Take your dog for a long walk. If you don't have a dog, borrow someone else's.
8. Grab your sketchbook (or buy one) and head outside. Drawing, even if you think you can't, makes you see the world in a whole new way.
9. Plan a special treat for every day if your solo period will be an extended one. Choose things that please you: a visit to the art museum, dinner and a play, a hike in the woods or a walk on a wintry beach.
10. Assemble a solo-party emergency kit, especially if you live alone in snow country and your plans include holiday travel. Stash some favorite delicacies in the pantry and freezer: bottles of your favorite wines and spirits; books, CDs and videos you know you'll enjoy; firewood, bubble bath, candles - whatever makes you feel indulged and contented.
Tips:
If enjoying your own company doesn't come naturally, it may take some practice. But it's well worth the effort.
Steps:
1. Treat yourself to a vacation you've always wanted to take, whether it's a cruise, a week at a ski resort or a New York shopping-and-theater binge.
2. Cook your favorite dinner, light a fire, curl up on the sofa and watch a feel-good video.
3. Start that book you've been meaning to read, or reread a childhood favorite.
4. Pick up the phone and call a friend who always makes you laugh.
5. Write in your journal, or start one.
6. Get around to projects you've been putting off, such as making a scrapbook of last year's vacation mementos, painting the bathroom or refinishing that antique dresser Aunt Louise left you. Most likely you'll find the process meditative, and you'll have lasting results to show for your efforts.
7. Take your dog for a long walk. If you don't have a dog, borrow someone else's.
8. Grab your sketchbook (or buy one) and head outside. Drawing, even if you think you can't, makes you see the world in a whole new way.
9. Plan a special treat for every day if your solo period will be an extended one. Choose things that please you: a visit to the art museum, dinner and a play, a hike in the woods or a walk on a wintry beach.
10. Assemble a solo-party emergency kit, especially if you live alone in snow country and your plans include holiday travel. Stash some favorite delicacies in the pantry and freezer: bottles of your favorite wines and spirits; books, CDs and videos you know you'll enjoy; firewood, bubble bath, candles - whatever makes you feel indulged and contented.
Tips:
If enjoying your own company doesn't come naturally, it may take some practice. But it's well worth the effort.
!
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