Avoiding Loneliness During the 2009 Holidays

For the vast majority of American men, women and children, the Christmas season is a festive time of joy and happiness, spent with family and friends next to roaring fireplaces and beautiful Christmas tree decorations. But for others, the holidays are not so festive. Many struggle to find a reason to smile while their loved one is fighting overseas and won't make it back in time to open presents with the family. Or perhaps you are one of the many who lost a close friend or relative during a past holiday season and have been trying to shake the sadness of it ever since.

Or you may just be an out-of-state student who won't be able to get home to see your family this Christmas. No matter what your circumstance or situation, there are plenty of things you can do to keep from slipping into a seasonal Christmas sadness.

1. Reach Out to your Friends

If you find yourself unable to connect with your family this holiday season, surround yourself with close friends you enjoy spending time with. For a couple of days prior to or after Christmas, go out for a night on the town: see a movie, walk a mall, attend a holiday music concert, etc. These types of fun activities and closeness with your best friends will help to keep your spirits lifted and your heart encouraged. Be certain the event or group activity will allow for a lighthearted atmosphere, one which encourages laughter and fun. In other words, avoid going to see a sad movie or attending a solemn event. Keep it upbeat!

You may additionally strive to spend time with a friend who is experiencing a little Christmastime loneliness as well. Together, the two of you may wind up having the best Christmas ever!

2. Go Out to Eat

This tip goes for everyone. Dining out during the holidays makes a great group activity, but can also be beneficial to the holiday loner. While you may find yourself alone at your table, it will help to be in an environment surrounded by other people. And who knows? You may end up meeting someone, finding a future date or beginning a conversation with a total stranger that could result in a lifelong friendship! You just never know.

3. Look into Holiday Activities on your Campus

This tip is for all of you college students out there, particularly those who reside in on-campus living facilities. Speaking from personal experience, meeting new people on campus can be an intimidating process, especially for introverts. However, the potential benefits vastly outweigh the alternatives. Rather than sulking in your dorm room during Christmas break, check out your school's web site or ask your dorm activities coordinator for a listing of Christmas activities and locations.

Several religious campus student ministries often hold Christmas parties and get-togethers on and off campus and most wont' involve any form of a service, teaching, preaching or worship music. Even if you're wary of Christian student ministries, this is a great way to meet new people, escape the loneliness of your dorm and enjoy some real holiday food (let's face it: your Ramen Noodles and microwavable dinners weren't cutting it).

Similarly, several campus organizations will often schedule Christmas Banquets. This is great for all of you single students itching to get out and socialize in an effort to meet that new man or new woman. Look into the dates, times and locations of any fraternity-sponsored and/or organized banquets and make sure they are open to all students. Wear your best ensemble for the evening and go have some fun!

4. Volunteer at a Local Charity or Church Sponsored Ministry

If friends and activities are hard to come by, seek out an environment in which you can serve others by utilizing your time and talents. The Christmas season is a peak time for volunteering at local homeless shelters, soup kitchens, drug and alcohol rehab centers, etc. If you regularly attend a local church, look into any local charities or shelters your church may be affiliated with. You just may be able to stifle your feelings of loneliness and replace them with a much deeper feeling of accomplishment and fulfillment.

5. Work

If you hold a part time or even full time job and wish to avoid some holiday loneliness, volunteer to work any additional available hours during Christmastime. With your mind focused on your job, you may be less likely to sink into depression or become lonely. Remaining task oriented is certainly one way to distract yourself, both mentally and emotionally.

In the end, it's all about surrounding yourself with the right people or immersing yourself in an activity that caters to your specific needs and/or talents. Don't let Christmas 2009 be a lonely time.