“If alone Christmas Eve or Christmas there are six simple ways to spend Christmas solo—including a few tried-and-true ideas from Oprah Daily Insiders—all of which will bring joy to your world.

1. Losing yourself in a story (whether it’s a Christmas tale, a spiritual read, or a gripping thriller), can help you escape into an entirely different reality. Stock up before the big day by heading to your favorite local bookstore or library. Try out a buzzy bestseller, indulge in a juicy romance novel, or make your way through some of Oprah’s Book Club picks.
2. Giving back to the community-Levera Sutton, an Oprah Daily Insider, says, “I have a BLAST by myself! I volunteer at a local church or senior center as a food server. I have such a ball, I stay for about eight hours. I’m so tired when I’m done—I take a plate to go and pass out at home.” Check your local food banks and soup kitchens for opportunities.
3. Enjoying the holidays is partially about reliving memories, even if you can’t be with the people you made them with, explains Jeremy Nobel, MD, founder and president of the Foundation for Art and Healing. He recommends compiling old holiday photos into a collage (Shutterfly is a digital solution—or whip out those scissors) or journaling about your memories. Another strategy is going for a walk and taking new pictures that bring back the feelings of those cherished moments. Sharing those pieces of art with friends and family—even when they are not physically present—can allow you to feel connected, says Nobel.
4. Oprah Daily Insider Stephanie Sarazin says, “A holiday spent solo might be hard, but it doesn’t have to be horrible. I learned this the first holiday season after my marriage ended. Adopting a custody schedule was hard, but knowing my three children wouldn’t be with me was harder. That first year, I rejected kind offers of inclusion and wallowed. And I’m glad I did–I honored myself and my grief. Since then, when my children aren’t with me, I accept invitations from friends and family and have created some nice new traditions. But I don’t regret that first, hard holiday when the world felt upside down and I chose to go through it solo.

5. “In the same way we think of caring for and treating our loved ones for the holidays, bring that same thoughtfulness and intentionality to yourself this Christmas,” says Leslie Nwoke, a physician and speaker.

   “If you’d normally make a big deal arranging dinner with friends, use that same energy to plan your brunch or dinner that day,” says Nwoke. Prepare yourself something comforting or decadent, like a childhood favorite.”

Opray Daily (Oprahdaily.com/…590722/alone-on-christmas)