Being ‘Home Alone’ On Christmas Sucks, And That’s Okay
How to make the most of the holiday season even far from home
“I’M EATING JUNK FOOD AND WATCHING RUBBISH, YOU BETTER COME OUT AND STOP ME!”
This line is definitely one of my favorites from Kevin, the most iconic eight year old boy from a very classic Christmas movie — Home Alone, which I believe, is truly quite impossible not to be played or shown on our TV screens during the holidays.
Mind you, I totally love this film not just because it’s memorable to me growing up, but also, I find it very much relatable as I now explore the world of ‘Adulting’.
The holidays mark a time of togetherness of families, friends and communities all around the globe.
In my case, when I moved out from my little cozy hometown to work and live in the big city, that ‘Fresh Grad’ energy made me too excited to explore. And somehow made me forgot the fact that I’ll indeed be hundreds of miles away from the comforts of my home — not just for one day but rather a long time.
Now I’m on my own and far away from home.
Being away from your family on a regular day is already tough. But what more during the holidays where the love and nostalgia is very much highlighted in the air. Well by any means, it could get emotionally torturous!
For someone who grew up spending and celebrating every holiday season with the family, it could really be a bummer the first time you’ll be taking the solo flight.
During my first year living away from home, I would usually book a flight for the holidays at least six months in advance since you’ll absolutely be in a ‘Hunger Games’ mode once you’re getting near the “ber” months.
It’s funny that when I was a kid, the only thing I’m planning and worrying about for the coming holidays is either what gifts should I ask from Santa or what color of plastic trumpets would I let my parents buy for me for New Year’s.
However now, it feels like there’s so much preparation needed to be done ahead, most particularly if you need to travel during the peak holiday season. And truthfully, I can’t avoid getting stuck with overthinking.
When is the best time to book a flight home for the holidays? Will my boss approve my leaves? How long should I be gone without having work to pile up? Can I be able to eat all the food I miss back home? Can I be able to bond with most of my relatives and friends in just a short duration?
It’s okay to feel homesick.
Yes, it is very much normal to experience homesickness. When given a chance, I would very much love to go home every weekend (if only I have my own private jet or if I can just easily swim across the ocean in that case).
However as each holiday season came over the years, my vacation slowly gets shorter due to the uncontrollable force of work life.
The supposed weeks became days. So whenever I have that one short stay, it feels like I’m just following a rush itinerary as I spend time with family, friends and loved ones.
Truthfully, even no matter how badly I want to fly back home and spend every single holiday with my clan, there are really times when circumstances gets crazy most especially during the busiest time of the year — and I just can’t go home at all.
And oh, COVID happened.
We all know this year had been rough for everybody. Aside from the challenge of travel restrictions, a lot of mass gatherings had been cancelled and up until this writing, still prohibited in many places.
Regardless of a busy schedule, most of you may still had been able to manage keeping your own traditions alive for several years, but for this year, we really have to adapt and make some necessary changes in however way we celebrate.
But here’s the thing — You’re not alone.
Aside from the pandemic taking a toll on everyone, it’s a fact that a lot of people are also spending their holidays solo. It could be due to demanding work schedules which makes it difficult to travel, others might not have enough funds for expensive round-trip tickets or some just simply prefer to spend Christmas alone.
Nevertheless, it’s always never too late to still end this year with happy memories and start with new ones!
If you’ll be at home alone this coming holidays, whether first time or not, and you’re still planning out what to do or how to make your time merry — let me share with you some of the things that might keep you going and look forward for the next days to come.
Whatever ignites your excitement for this season, always know and believe that the ‘spark’ we used to feel when we were kids is still possible and can be accomplished.
Throw a solo party
Let’s get the party (for one) started!
Who says being home alone ain’t fun? For a while, we might somehow have gotten nuts during quarantine but having the right kind of mindset is all that matters especially when we still have to practice social distancing with our peers and family.
Plus with all the limitations now, the least you can do is treat yourself and try to be as optimistic as possible.
Talk about taking that ‘strong and independent’ self definition to a whole new level!
Pamper yourself. If some establishments near you are already operational and practicing safety precautions, you can start by going to a spa or do some holiday shopping.
If you’re a home buddy, you can deck your halls with some holiday vibe or you can always opt to book a nice hotel room. Like in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, where Kevin just simply enjoys all of the amenities a hotel has to offer.
Bring out your favorite snacks and drinks. You can certainly eat and drink whatever you want while you binge-watch your favorite movies or better, sing your heart out to some kick-ass music!
And of course, dance like no one’s watching (literally).
Basing from my own experience, you never have to stand by and have a blue Christmas when you set up the mood for a celebration with yourself. Keep yourself busy doing things you truly enjoy. Soak in some self-care will you because you deserve it!
Create virtual reunions
We’re all fortunate that we live in a digital age. In just an instant click, you can be able to talk face-to-face with anyone wherever part of the world you are.
During this season, schedule a time when you can do group calls with family and loved ones via Skype, Zoom, FaceTime or any other platform you’re very much accessible to.
I know it’s never the same as being with the actual people you care about, but even if you can only talk for 5–10 minutes, it still helps lessen the feeling of homesickness.
You can even open gifts, do games and share a meal together virtually while wearing your Christmas jammies!
Plan out and gather up some folks
If you’re the kind of person who loves being around with people in important events, it wouldn’t hurt to ask some work colleagues or friends what their holiday plans are.
You can always try to approach them. It’s possible that some of them might also be wondering what to do, most specially if they have work or had not been able to go home in time for the holidays. Who knows? You may just be in time for a holiday group party brainstorming.
Even if they don’t celebrate the specific holiday, you can always hang out and enjoy a cheerful experience. Honestly, I bet anyone is always down to have fun after all the highs and lows we’ve been through this year.
Take this time to connect with others. Not only it will lessen your feeling of homesickness, but it will also help you bring your traditions to a new place.
After all, you can always bring the spirit of the holiday cheer, no matter how far away you are from home.
Volunteer or give back to communities
Christmas spirit can truly be found anywhere when love and hope is being shared.
As you take time to enjoy the holidays for yourself and loved ones, never forget that the highlight of ’tis season is to still always share light and joy even in the smallest way possible.
Well of course, we must always spread love and compassion in our day to day lives but during this season of love, it’s time to be more involved. Start with a few small acts of kindness.
Contribute to non-profit organizations. It doesn’t matter if you have a few or tons of money in your pocket, what matters is your willingness to give whatever you currently have.
One may dread for being home alone during the holidays but some people don’t even have a home at all.
Volunteering is always a great experience. Try to volunteer at homeless shelters, care homes, soup kitchens, orphanages, or you may also opt to organize events and drives for certain areas in your community.
Trust me, it’s one way to make your holidays more meaningful.
Last Christmas, since I wasn’t able to spend it with my family, I decided to invite a few friends and organized a mini-celebration with the kids from an orphanage just near my area.
That day had been truly filled with so much vibrant energy spending time with those little ones. Plus, it made the experience more unforgettable because I had to come home with damp clothes as the toddler I was carrying happened to threw up all over me. (It’s my fault, I might have given her too much spaghetti!)
To tell you, it was a messy and random plan but we really never had expected to be going home — though physically drained with how hyper the kids were, we felt like we were emotionally fueled with such soul-filling happiness.
Write a letter to Santa
Yes, I know this sounds so silly. Maybe the last time you wrote Santa a letter was when you were seven years old or maybe none at all.
Childish as it seems, but writing a letter or wish list might help you more than you could know.
Well, this does not necessarily mean you need to send some love letters to Mr. Kris Kringle living up there in the North.
But instead, you can always write down all the things you have been grateful for the past 12 months and of course, your personal goals you want to achieve for the remaining days before you start another new year.
Then in your letter, be your own Santa. Write back to yourself as if you are in Santa’s shoes as you give yourself suggestions on how you can be able to achieve these goals.
To be honest, you might actually be surprised by the solutions that you write and by the changes your wish list can create in your life.
Final Thoughts
We may all have different approaches and emotions when being away from home during holidays. But the most important thing is, no one should have to feel afraid, lonely and stressful no matter how crazy things get.
Plan exciting activities that can keep your mind occupied and do your best to keep your spirit at energy high.
After all, you have the power to create your own happiness and do something meaningful in your inherent unique ways.
And at the end of the day, the choice will always be yours to make.
’Tis the season to be jolly!
So from the depths of my heart, I wish you happy holidays!
