We are now in the 9th month of the Covid-19 pandemic. Throughout the year we have been coping as plans change or come to a complete standstill. People tend to have a tough time with change and 2020 has been filled with them. Now, holidays are right around the corner. Some are already bringing on the holiday cheer, but some are filled with anxiety about their holiday plans. They’re wondering “Is this the right thing to do?” or “Will I be alone?”. As stated in Navigating the Holidays Through Covid– holidays are tough for some people without a pandemic in the mix. Now, we’re going to talk about how to cope if you’re spending the holiday season alone.

Ways to Celebrate

If you love spending time with your family, then not being able to see them during the holidays will be painful. We recognize virtual methods do not replace the feeling of being in the same room as loved ones, but it’s a start. Talk to your family ahead of time about how to make it work. If you know this is going to be a tough conversation check out Popsugar.com’s How to Tell Your Loved Ones That You’re Staying Home This Holiday Season Due to COVID-19. Make sure to not overload your schedule too- Zoom fatigue is a real thing and it’s okay to set boundaries on Zoom too. There are ways to bring some virtual holiday cheer:

  • Cook or bake together over Zoom.
  • Have a virtual family potluck. Here’s a guide on making Thanksgiving Turkey if it’s your first time!
  • Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. It’s virtual this year and will be on NBC on Nov. 26th starting at 9 AM in all time zones. 
  • Open presents in PJ’s together on Zoom. Make sure to take turns!
  • Get together on Zoom as you all decorate your homes. Light your Christmas trees or Menorahs at the same time!
  • Dress up for whatever you do!
  • Check out marthastewart.com’s Your Guide to Hosting a Virtual Friendsgiving and more Thanksgiving tips!
  • Do a Secret Santa and then open gifts over Zoom.
  • Do a Zoom gingerbread house contest. Here’s a slideshow of different kinds of kits to make.
  • Have a Netflix holiday watch party with the Netflix Party extension for Google Chrome.
  • Have a Zoom cozy night-in where you all just hang out and talk.
  • Bake holiday treats together over Zoom.
  • If you drink and the thought of cooking/baking is overwhelming to you, make festive drinks and cocktails instead of massive amounts of food.
  • Check out How to support older family members during the holidays.

If You’re Feeling Really Lonely

No matter what you do during the holidays, loneliness may still hit. If you’re not feeling the holiday spirit that is completely ok! Helping and thinking of others can bring us out of ourselves if we’re feeling lonely too. 

  • Accept the feelings as they come. 
  • Create care packages for loved ones.
  • If you’re comfortable- offer to do the holiday grocery shopping for a neighbor who’s older or immunocompromised.
  • Schedule times to call your loved ones just to talk.
  • Indulge in some self-care. 
  • Organizations have begun setting up virtual food and toy drives that will allow you to give back from the comfort of your home.
  • Start a new project.
  • Start online gift shopping early.
  • Send holiday cards to a local nursing home.
  • Limit social media.
  • Order takeout from your favorite restaurant.
  • Have a stay-at-home-spa day.
  • Call someone you know that has no family.
  • Reach out if you have a recently widowed family member or friend.
  • Reach out to someone who was recently divorced or lost their job.

Crisis Services Directory

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.

For more mental health resources, see this National Helpline Database.