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Traditions might be a sore subject for you.
Feeling lonely over holidays, no matter what the reason, is hard. It sucks.
You DO NOT have to love every moment of the holiday season, especially if you’re missing a loved one or missing an experience you’re used to having.
Your feelings are valid.
However, that doesn’t mean you have to dismiss any and all things that bring you joy!
Who is this for?
This is for anyone that is missing someone over the holidays.
You loved one might be deployed or training.
Or maybe you’re feeling extra lonely because you can’t fly “home” to see family.
If either of these sound like you, THIS is for you.
Who can be involved?
Traditions are as unique as the family doing them. And they can be as unique as your situation as well.
Your traditions can involve whoever YOU WANT.
If that means its just your small family, that’s ok! Or if you choose to always include a neighbor or friend, that works too!
Again, do what works for YOU and YOUR FAMILY!
Why should I start new ones?
Embracing the situation you are in is important.
Again, you don’t have to love it. You also don’t have to hate it.
I want to encourage you to still do the things you love to do.
Here are some ideas to get you started.
Tradition Ideas
Countdown to the holiday
Buy an advent calendar (like this cute one from Etsy!)
Make your own advent calendar (here’s a ton of ideas!)
Do an activity
Decorate a gingerbread house
Ice sugar cookies
Decorate your tree
Make ornaments
Watch holiday movies
Do a puzzle
Play games
Make the same meal
(Here are the top 5 recommendations I’ve gotten!)
Christmas casserole
Waffles
Tamales
Cinnamon rolls
Honey Ham
Go somewhere
Go ice skating
Visit a path of lights
Go to the beach
Go skiing
Take a picture and mesh them together
You could each hold half of a sign and put the pictures next to each other.
Or maybe everyone can wear the same pj’s or shirt!
Open a gift at the same time
Christmas Eve pajamas
Matching shirts
A book for New Years
TAKE PICTURES!
My one recommendation that you NEED to follow is to take pictures!!
Share pictures with your loved ones that aren’t there.
They’ll be grateful you thought of them and will enjoy seeing what you’ve been up to.
Holidays are hard when you’re on your own.
For some, it might be easier to continue the same traditions you’ve previously done. So as well as you can, try to do them!
For others, continuing the same traditions is too difficult, and brings up lonely feelings. Create new traditions that are unique to your situation!
No matter how you celebrate this holiday season, know that I’m here to support you and help you find some joy!
