Christmas can be a lonely time for some, and with the new restrictions in place across Hertfordshire, more people than ever are spending Christmas alone or without the family they were expecting to spend it with.
To have good mental health, it is still important to be thankful, have hope, and look for the positives. If you enjoy celebrating the festive season, you can still make it a good one by having something to look forward to. Here is a list of 25 things you can still do alone or with your household to make 25 December an enjoyable day.
Hobbies and activities
- Start a new hobby or practice an existing one, but put a Christmas spin on it
- Have a Christmas movie marathon
- Watch a Christmas play or online book reading online
- Track Santa - some websites will tell you the current location of Santa
Cooking
- Toast marshmallows over the fire
- Bake cookies, cakes, or gingerbread men
- Make a meal out of it – enjoy a lavish Christmas dinner, even if you're alone
Connecting
- Stay connected – join online support groups and open presents with your family over Zoom. Phone all of your family.
- Complete traditional faith activities
- Play card games or online games, including those designed for solo players, like solitaire
- Do a Christmas trivia quiz over Zoom
Staying active
- Go for a Christmas morning or lunchtime walk
- Play Christmas music and dance
- Sing carols (to yourself or family via Zoom)
Reflection and looking forward
- Reflect on the good things that have happened this year and your achievements
- Think about the things you will have to look forward to in the future
- Make plans to celebrate Christmas with your family later
- Practice gratitude
Relaxing
- Meditate
- Read Christmas cards/stories (out loud?!)
Giving
- Donate online
- Make art to sell or give to others
Getting creative
- Decorate ugly jumpers
- Create a Christmas family newsletter to send in the post/via email
- Make a Christmas video and send it to your family