Christmas is usually spent with friends, relatives, and family, but for many people, since the onset of the pandemic, the holiday season has turned to be a time away from loved ones.
While the number of COVID-19 cases in many parts of the world begins to decrease, and schools and businesses have gone back to normal, here comes the new Omicron variant, threatening to bring another wave of the virus.
As a result, local governments in countries where the strain has started to spread have called for stricter lockdowns, requiring people to stay indoors and banning travelers from outside the locality.
Some also refused to reunite with their families who were not vaccinated. Anna Shields, 23, told Business Insider that she hasn't seen her family for the holidays since 2019 because some of them don't want to take the jab.
While people have different reasons for not wanting to get the jab, being vaccinated gives you more chances of joining family reunions. When you are vaccinated, the people around you are more at peace.
However, this year, according to a Daily Express report, a lot "will be stuck self-isolating" or celebrating Christmas alone because they or their loved ones have COVID-19. Some need to isolate and others probably couldn't just reunite with their family. Being isolated during the most wonderful time of the year might take a toll on one's mental health. So, for those who will be spending the holidays alone, here are some of the things you can do to still enjoy the season.
3 Tips to Stay Positive while Spending Christmas Alone
A new study carried out by Recognised, a social impact jewelry brand, has found that about 50 percent of Britons have felt they are "alone and undervalued" during the past year and a half, and to spend another "quarantined" Christmas could be harmful to a person's mental health.
According to Behavioral Psychologist Jo Hemmings, there are several ways to stay positive even when Christmas and holiday seasons are spent alone.
Here are three of them:
1. Reach Out and Connect
The past 18 months were tremendously tough for so many people, not to mention the cost of this pandemic, which has been huge on people's mental health.
Hemmings explained, this study has shown everyone felt alone at some point in the pandemic. Thus, it is vital to remember that "you are not alone," and speaking to other people can help.
The behavioral psychologist suggests reaching out and connecting with loved ones to ease the feeling of isolation. In this way, even when you are physically alone, you won't feel isolated.
2. Plan Early
People spending holidays alone may feel like they want to ignore the entire day that way. Nevertheless, it will help if they also think about certain activities and food that might make them feel better when that day comes.
The expert recommends making a plan for that day, including cooking food that will bring the Christmas spirit, watching an all-time favorite movie, and spending some time for self-care.
3. Spend the Day Outside If You're Not Isolating
This does not apply to those who are self-isolating with COVID-19. However, for those fortunate enough to be totally healthy and do not have symptoms, go out when there's a chance.
Hemmings said going out for some walk is "mood-boosting" and will help you feel better. It will make you forget the isolation and loneliness that one usually feels when they are alone.
Related information about spending time alone during the holiday season is shown on Marissa Peer's YouTube video below:
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