Celebrating Christmas solo? Discover ways to make your festive day merry and bright

Each person brings their own unique flair to Christmas celebrations—whether it’s a grand family barbecue, a laid-back dinner with friends, or a peaceful solo day at home for some well-deserved relaxation after a bustling year.

However you decide to embrace the holiday spirit this year, there’s no need to depend on others to create a day filled with special moments.

While some find themselves spending the festive season alone out of necessity, many intentionally choose this path. There are countless reasons for opting out of larger gatherings, and this time of year presents wonderful opportunities to revel in your independence, turning it into not just a celebration but a truly memorable day.

Plan a little in advance

While it’s great to be spontaneous and enjoy last-minute plans on the big day, it’s important to remember that a lot of shops and restaurants will be closed.

If you’re close to a city centre, you have more options, but out in the country or away from built-up areas you could find yourself stuck, so stock up on food or make a booking if you’d prefer to eat out.

Enjoy the great outdoors with a walk

It’s a tradition for many families to enjoy either a Christmas or Boxing Day walk – so why not do it solo?

Getting out of the house and soaking up some fresh air can do wonders for your senses, and it’s the perfect time to make the most of quieter public areas.

Get comfy in front of the TV

The free-to-air television providers make sure their Christmas schedules are packed with some of their best entertainment offerings.

After all, this is the one day of the year that you can sit back, eat to your heart’s content and binge-watch your favourite films and TV shows without an ounce of guilt. It’s a holiday after all, so it’s important to relax into it. Watch all the stuff that you, and no one else, likes – twice, if you want!

Volunteer to help those in need

A lot of people may be spending this Christmas alone too, but not by choice, so there are a lot of volunteer and homeless shelter programmes where you can volunteer to lend a hand.

Mixing with people is a great way to ease the loneliness if your day is being spent alone unwillingly, and you’ll know you’re giving someone else the same help at a tough time.

Whether it’s working at a soup kitchen, or simply chatting to people over a Christmas dinner, it’s a perfect way to give something back without any other jobs on your schedule to pull you away.

Make the most of the empty streets

As families gather together, the popular choice is to stay home or at one house for the celebrations, so big city centre streets and town squares where you’re used to fighting for a space are likely quieter and far more peaceful.

Why not take a camera along with you as you stroll around? There’s opportunities to capture some lovely snaps without other people or large crowds getting in the way.

Remember, it’s just another day

Feel free to embrace the simplicity of Christmas Day without placing too much significance on it—it’s essentially just another wonderful day.

If festivities aren’t your thing, consider it a well-deserved day off, with no obligations or expectations. Take this time to savour the joy of relaxation and make the most of your own company. It’s your break, so relish in the moments of tranquility!