20 Creative Ways To Spend Christmas and NY On Your Own

The festive season is almost here! What are your plans for the holidays? Do you take part in big family celebrations or do you spend it with friends or do you (thanks to special circumstances) spend it alone? It's a bummer to have to spend the holidays alone right? It's the perfect time to spend it with your loved ones but sometimes it is inevitable to spend it alone. Is this your case? If it is don't worry too much, we know that the hype about spending the holidays not alone puts a lot of pressure but it's totally ok to spend it alone.

There could be many reasons why you're alone this coming Christmas and New Year, the passing of a loved one (we're sorry if you're going through that); you living very far away from relatives or you're a victim of social isolation. Whatever the reason, you can cope with being on your own for the festive season. There are ways to do that. If the reason you're alone this Christmas and New Year is that you suffer from some kind of social anxiety disorder, then now is the time to address it and do something about it.

How can do you that? Well, the holiday season is a great time to appreciate what you have in your life; you're health is good, you have a place to live and food on your table, you have people who appreciate you. Being grateful for all the things you do actually have can help you cope and can help you manage your anxiety. If you need a reminder, you can write down all the things for what you're grateful and place it where you can see it every day. Also, try to keep negative thoughts on the down-low, don't let them overpower you, you have more control over them than you give yourself credit for. Ok, so you're flying solo this festive season, don't let that take you down, you can choose to feel lonely because your alone or you can choose to feel grateful for all the things you got going right now. 

There is another way to cope with being on your own this festive season. It involves a little creativity and a good attitude, you can find fun things to do on Christmas and New Year so that you don't feel alone. You may not have a loved one to spend it with but that doesn't mean that you have to sit at home sad and feeling sorry for yourself, there are tons of things to do near you or in your city during the holidays.

Not sure about this? Don't sweat it, we're here to help. We have compiled a list of 20 creative ways to spend Christmas and New York on your own. This list can give you an idea of what you can do or it can inspire you to find something awesome so you can have a blast this festive season. 

So, it's official, this Christmas and NY you're flying solo. You can't get away from work, or you lack the funds to get there, or you had a family dispute or you just don't feel like it... the thing is you're feeling down and are not in a celebratory mood. That's totally OK, don't beat yourself up, it happens sometimes. The good news is that there are things you can do to help you dispel that grinch sentiment and still enjoy the holiday season.

Take a look at some creative ways you can spend the festive season alone.

Food can be such comfort and sweet treats are the best! Hey, we're not saying that eating lots of chocolate can make your troubles go away, but common it's Christmas! Go crazy and fill your fridge or pantry with treats that you can enjoy during the holidays (worry about the calories later). 

That sounds like fun, right? You don't have to Beethoven to compose a song, you just need to be creative and think about what the festive season means to you. Maybe, you're missing your family like crazy, composing a Christmas Carol with them in mind can be a comforting and thanks to WiFi you can facetime with them and sing it along.

Wait until all the lights are on then put some warm clothes on (it's chilly outside) and go for a walk in your neighborhood. But try and keep your phone down and your eyes up so you can appreciate all that you will encounter. Be aware of all the hard work you neighbors have put in their outdoor decorations, we're sure some of them will make you smile. And if while you're walking you encounter someone, be kind and wish them a Merry Christmas.

Maybe you're not the only person in the neighborhood or in your office that's going to spend the holidays alone, ask around and if there are a couple more in your same situation, invite them over. It doesn't have to be a fancy event, just tell them you're making dinner for Christmas and that they're welcome to come so you can celebrate together.

Doing acts of kindness can make the festive season so much more special for you and for someone else. So, buy some silly gifts, put on your Santa suit and go spread joy by giving those gifts away to those you encounter in your path. You'll see lots of smiles.

Nothing cheers up a place like a Christmas tree, it doesn't have to be a big one, it can even be a fake one or even a sturdy plant. The point is you have to decorate it, you can get creative there too, Decorating a tree is a holiday tradition, you'll focus on that and something about the tinsel and the lights will keep you calm and relaxed.

Think you're ready for that responsibility? Then go to a shelter and get yourself a dog or a cat, the holidays are the perfect time for it. You'll have company during the season and they'll bring you joy. Don't think you can take on the responsibility, how about do some good with fostering?

So many choices there, you can make a list of all the movies you'd like to see in one sitting and then put your comfy pajamas, get yourself some popcorn or sweet treats and start your own Christmas movie festival.

You deserve a gift too! And what better gift than one where you'll be pampered? Go ahead book your spa day and enjoy all the perks. You'll come out of it refreshed and ready to tackle anything.

Yes we know, shopping during the holidays can be a nightmare but we're sure you can find ways to make it a fun experience. Maybe you don't go to the mall, how about trying to hit some independent shops or the winter market? And you can pace yourself, do some shopping then stop for a warm drink or for lunch, make it an enjoyable day with zero stress.

Cooking can be relaxing and it can keep you calm during the festive season. Pick your favorite food or maybe try a new recipe, set everything in the kitchen put some music, maybe have a glass of wine and just enjoy the process. 

Doing something good for others can make you happy and can remind you to be grateful for what you have. You can volunteer in a soup kitchen, you can join a charity or you can go to a children's hospital and ask what you can do to help bring a little joy to the little ones over the holidays.

Find all you need to make as many decorations as you want and then let the creativity flow. You'll end up with some works of art that you'll have to show off. so go ahead and put them all over your place. You'll smile every time you look at them.

Flying solo for the holidays doesn't mean that you have to be alone (unless you want to). Winter festivals are popular during Christmas and New Year, see if there's one near you and go spend some time there and enjoy all the activities. 

You don't need fancy equipment to do your video, you just need your phone and your creativity. It can even be a mashed up of images you have collected during the festive season. This could be a fun thing to do that then you can send your relatives and friends to wish them happy holidays.

Go out of your comfort zone and see where the day takes you. Open a map of your city, then close your eyes and point to a place on the map. You can go to that place if it's near, walk and enjoy the scenery. Once you get to your destination see what it has to offer and go for it.

It's easy to send a text or an e-card but there's something special about a hand-crafted Christmas card. Put some work in them and then send them to your loved ones. They'll treasure them.

You need to keep your mind occupied and that can be accomplished by learning a new skill. Now you have the time and you don't have to spend money on it, just go to Youtube and enter what you wish to learn. You'll find all kinds of tutorials there: how to make scarfs? or stuffed animals or exotic cocktails?

We're not talking about obliterating dust and cobwebs, we're talking about getting rid of things you don't need or want any more. You'll have more space in your place and you'll feel lighter. Ready for new things.

There are some things that you wanted to do this year but you couldn't, this is the perfect time to make a bucket list for next year. Put all your wishes there and then pick three, those are the ones you have to do in the next year.

Being alone during the festive season doesn't have to be a sad thing, you have the power to turn it into a lovely experience. Just have an open mind and the willingness to embrace everything around you. Happy Holidays!