Lonely Holidays

tkrice

So my Husband and I just moved to a Minnesota and I still don't know any one in the area. My Husband is an airline pilot and wont be home this Christmas. I also just found out I have to work every day but Christmas so I wont be able to travel home to visit family. I am completely bummed and I have no idea what to do in this new place by myself to make it a fun Holiday. Any ideas?

alewpanda

Find some places to volunteer.  Spend Christmas Eve volunteering at a soup kitchen or delivering toys to low-income children.  Staying home alone will only focus your loneliness and cause you more hurt.

Decorate, donate, and plan a special tradition or two to start on Christmas with your husband.  It can still be fun and heartwarming.  Also, perhaps you can skype some family back home and send each other pictures of your decorations, trees, etc.

ScissortailFlycatcher

I just moved from Minnesota to Ohio and will also be away from family for the holidays.

Depending where you're at there are activities you can do. Ice skating, cross country skiing, snowshoeing. And I'd check out the Minnesota local board, the ladies there are nice and will probably know events and things going on right now.

As for Christmas, I would rent a bunch of my favorite holiday or chick flick movies, think White Christmas, Love Actually. Make a yummy snack tray, crackers, cheese, fruit and enjoy a glass of wine.

 

saraelizabeth28

Volunteering is a great idea.  It will get you out of the house and help you not feel sorry for yourself.

I also agree with the skyping or the video chatting.

Jim&Jaime

The volunteering is a great idea.

Also, in regard to your meals, make sure you do something special. Nothing makes alone feel lonelier than a cup-o-noodles, KWIM?  

tkrice

Thanks! These are great ideas. I am starting to feel better about the whole thing. I am just so used to being busy around holidays, now it looks like I will be starting new traditions

tlscherer

Maybe you could get your family to sign up for Skype so you could spend some face time with them.

Earls_Bride

I would volunteer at a women's shelter or senior home.  We've actually gone to a senior home a few times on Christmas and played games (Bingo), read stories, and just talked to some of them, many are extremely lonely and have no one at all on Christmas.  It really brings smiles to their faces and it's such a nice feeling to see this.

For your own Christmas indulgence though, I'd get a bunch of your favorite Christmas movies, some treats, and mix up some rum & eggnog, or Crantinis and kick back at home.  Maybe the day before, you could even pick up a little turkey dinner to go from your local grocery store/deli.

I guess just make the best of it, and definitely try to connect with your family and friends either on the phone or through the net.  I'm sure it'll actually go much better than you think, and it won't be that lonely after all

livishull

Though my husband is home for the holidays this year, it's our first Christmas away from our family. 3,000 miles away in fact. It makes it even harder that i haven't been home in a year.

I'm coping by baking (a lot), and i've bought my husband and family members back home so many gifts.

I agree with everyone, volunteering really does your heart good. I'm looking into this, as there are so many options right now. 

But do spoil yourself! I love cuddling up with my cat and watching christmas movies, and having a cup of good coffee that's limited holiday edition. I've tried so hard to make it feel like the home my mom gave me growing up, and it's been nice creating my own traditions. I'm trying to see it as a growth experience, but yes, it gets hard.

I guess what i'm saying is, you aren't alone. I completely understand.