How to Spend Holidays as a Single Parent

Holidays are usually the time of year where houses are filled with sweet and salty aromas and cheerful laughter and music but for many single parents the scenario is much different. Some single parents spend their holidays away from their extended family because of distance, loss of contact, a bitter family argument, or because they do not have family to spend it with. Whatever the reason, single parents may feel a bit lonesome and wonder if their children would prefer spending the Holidays with a larger crowd. There are some ways for single parents to make the most out of their Holiday and to avoid feeling a void.

You and your child can work in the community by helping out in soup kitchens and local food pantries. Soup kitchens, shelters and churches usually hold special dinners during the holiday. They often need volunteers to help feed the large crowd of people. Lending your hand during these busy times will make you and your children feel wholesome at the end of the day.

If the neighbors invite you to any special gathering be sure to (bring a dish) and attend. This will give your child the opportunity to spend the day around others. Spending sometime with the neighbors will take you out of your place of isolation if and will brighten your spirits.

You can call your friends and see what they are doing. Many people consider their friends to be their family and so they hold special gatherings with them. There is nothing wrong with spending the time with friends on the Holidays.

You can throw a small get to together in your home and invite those who you are closest to, or those you feel the most comfortable around. I've known people who have invited coworkers, church members, neighbors, friends of friends and even their children's teachers to get togethers.

Your place of work might hold annual Holiday parties. If you enjoy your place of work, you should take advantage of these parties and bring your family each year. If you add attending the annual party into your schedule every year it will become a routine. It will give the kids a sense of belonging and they will begin to anticipate the party.

Attending church on major holidays is what many people like to do. Many churches hold services and sometimes dinners where people mingle and meet each other and the kids play.

If none of these ideas suit you then don't worry, your child will enjoy the Holidays as long as you are happy and have some sort of celebration. You can enjoy the holidays over a simple t,v, dinner and a store bought cake as long as you make it a positive routine, your child will look forward to it.