7 Ways to Make a Lonely Christmas Meaningful

1. Embrace the solitude and use it to connect more deeply with God.

The time you spend in solitude this Christmas is valuable time without distractions that you can use to deepen your relationship with God. Spend time communicating with God through prayer and meditation. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you notice God’s presence with you, so you can enjoy feeling God’s love for you this Christmas. Meditate on God’s promises to you in the Bible. For instance, you can reflect on Psalm 23:1 (“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.”) for reassurance that God is providing for you while you spend Christmas alone. Be sure to read and ponder the Christmas story in the Bible, meditating on passages like Luke 2:10-11: “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” Take some time to reflect on the past year and thank God for what he has done in your life during that time. Write down your thoughts in a gratitude journal, or simply meditate on your blessings. Then, ask God to give you the wisdom you need to grow closer to him and live with purpose moving forward into your future.

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2. Worship God and connect with friends and family virtually.

Just because you’re spending Christmas alone doesn’t mean you have to be completely isolated. Hebrews 10:23-25 encourages you: “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another…”. So, even if you can’t be physically present with your church congregation or your family and friends, don’t give up meeting together. You can use technology to bridge the physical gap between you, stay connected, and feel loved during Christmas. Attend a live-streamed Christmas service online to engage in worship on Christmas Eve. Schedule video calls with loved ones, send them Christmas messages online, exchange virtual gifts, and share stories of God’s work in your lives. In Matthew 18:20, Jesus assures you: “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” 

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3. Enjoy a Christmas adventure outing by yourself.

Travel somewhere by yourself, in search of a new adventure for Christmas. If you have at least several days to explore on your own, you might book a solo trip to an area you’ve never visited before. Or, if you don't have time to leave your local area, enjoy something adventurous close to home. You might take a nature walk in the woods to savor the beauty of the season, eat a holiday meal at a restaurant you’d like to try, or tour neighborhoods in your area to see Christmas decorations. As you enjoy your adventure, use your physical senses (seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, and touching) to notice more of the blessings God has given you spiritually. Focus on finding moments that inspire you with awe and show you the wonder of God's presence with you. In Psalm 65:8, the Bible points out that God’s wonder is everywhere: “The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy.” Enjoy discovering glimpses of God with you as you go on a solo Christmas adventure.

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4. Indulge in self-care activities.

The Christmas break gives you extra time for activities that boost your well-being. Free of your regular responsibilities and distractions, you have a valuable opportunity to do something just for you. Enjoy something that helps you let go of stress and relax. Take a long bath, watch some Christmas movies and TV shows, get a massage, or take a nap. Enjoy the peace and quiet. You may be surprised at how much you need a break to rest and rejuvenate. Don’t feel guilty about making time just for you. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus encourages you to rest in relationship with him: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Another way you take good care of yourself during Christmas is to do something you’ve wanted to do but have been putting off.  Start a new hobby, learn a new skill, or read a book you’ve been wanting to read. Make time for whatever nourishes your spirit, mind, and body. 

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5. Volunteer your time to help people in need.

Spread God’s love by volunteering at a local charity or community organization. Christmas is a season of giving. By helping others, you’ll not only make a positive impact but also experience the true joy that comes from selfless service. There are many organizations that need help during the holidays. Ask God to help you choose one to volunteer for this Christmas. It could be a hospital, a food pantry, a homeless shelter, an animal shelter, a retirement home, or any other place where God leads you to serve. Let your light shine through your acts of kindness. In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus encourages you: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” By volunteering, you’ll help yourself along with the people you’re helping through your volunteer work. That’s because you’ll experience the joy of God’s love flowing through your life into other people’s lives.

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6. Create a Christmas playlist of songs to sing in worship.

Compile a playlist of your favorite Christmas carols, and enjoy singing them to God. When you’re spending Christmas by yourself, you don’t have to worry about disturbing others by singing. You can do so anytime you like! So, belt out your favorite Christmas songs in your house and car without anyone but God hearing you. God loves singing, and Zephaniah 3:17 reveals that God sings over you: “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” The Bible also encourages you to praise God through singing in a variety of verses, including Psalm 68:32 (“Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth, sing praise to the Lord”) and Colossians 3:16 (“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”). While you sing, let the music move you, and let the lyrics inspire you as they celebrate the wonder of Christmas – God’s gift of Jesus to save the world. 

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7. Get creative in the kitchen.

The Christmas season is full of delicious holiday food. Why not take advantage of your solitude to try out new recipes this Christmas? Prepare a festive feast for yourself, savoring the joy of cooking and eating a delicious Christmas meal. Bake some Christmas goodies, as well. The possibilities for what you can make are endless. You may cook or bake a recipe that has been handed down through your family for generations. You may research Christmas food from around the world and take a culinary trip by preparing dishes from nations that especially interest you. You may bake and decorate Christmas cookies in all sorts of creative ways. As you enjoy your food, give thanks to God for it, and reflect on 1 Corinthians 10:31: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 

Spending Christmas alone doesn’t have to mean feeling lonely and sad. Remember that you’re never truly alone, because Jesus is Immanuel – God with you! Christmas, even in solitude, can be a time of joy and wonder as you connect with God. So, embrace the opportunity to celebrate this Christmas by yourself with God. Through worship, virtual connections, adventure, self-care, service, music, food, and more, you can make this a wonderful Christmas.

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