Are you or someone you know going solo over the December holiday season?
Many Canadians live alone, including about one million over age 65,
according to Statistics Canada. While many Canadians will celebrate the
last Christmas or Chanukah of this century with family and friends, a
significant number will spend the holidays alone. Although celebrating
by yourself can be fun, too many people suffer the holiday blues in the
absence of loved ones or when tormented by Hollywood's version of
"Christmas closeness."
If you want to include solo friends or neighbours in your celebrations,
don't say, "We don't want you to be alone for the holiday." Instead,
stress something about their personality, talents or your relationship
that makes it clear the festivities will be enhanced by their presence.
Here are a few suggestions for going solo and enjoying it:
- Count your blessings. If you are reading this, you have access
to an online world that will help you connect to friends and those that
share similar interests anywhere in Canada or around the globe. You also
have a roof over your head, which in Canada's wintery climes is
definitely something to celebrate. While you're at it, make a list of
other things you are thankful for and read it before you go to bed each
night.
- Your attitude will dictate your success at making December,
not merely something to get through, but a time to enjoy. Don't aim for
a laugh-riot each minute of every day but do expect more highs than lows
and you won't be disappointed. Tackle December one day at a time. Just
concern yourself with making today the best day you can.
- One of the best antidotes to depression is exercise. Activity
will make you feel better, help you sleep at night, keep unwanted
holiday pounds at bay and, if you use your energy to do things for
others, will make you feel good inside as well.
- Set ground rules with friends and family. Tell them how you'd
like to be treated and what support you'd appreciate. Don't put up with
anything that upsets you unnecessarily. Sometimes you may be better off
away from those that know you best since they may find it hard to help
you let go of the past.
- Occasionally, let yourself be sad. Celebrate the lives of those
who are no longer with you. Watch a few "tear-jerker" movies and have a
good cry. Get it out of your system.
- Open your home. Invite neighbours -- those you know and those
you don't -- and friends to drop by for a short holiday visit. Instead
of one big bash, try a few small evenings or afternoons. Visit those
that are house-bound or far away from their home for the holidays. By
cheering them up, you'll do the same for yourself.
- Indulge your tastebuds. Make a great gourmet meal or a simple
buffet of all your favourites. Use all the trimmings – good china, table
cloth and crystal if you have it. Or perhaps, you'll splurge on
something wickedly expensive – it's only one setting, after all.
- Experiment with new experiences. Change the patterns of past
years. Make the most of Canada's multicultural mix and embrace the
celebrations of other faiths and cultures to give yourself a lesson in
the joy of diversity.
Remember, you may be solo, but you won't be alone. You will spend the
holidays with one of the best people you know and with one of the people
you know best – yourself.
Happy Holidays to everyone!
Published: December 19, 2000
Use of this article without permission is a violation of federal copyright laws.
 Futurist and Strategist PJ Wade is "The Catalyst" - intent on "Challenging The Best to Become Even Better." PJ earned this title by translating the dynamic impact of Boomers and their multi-generation families into relevant insights that start people thinking and taking action—in business and in life.
Author of 8 books and more than 1800 published articles, PJ encourages individuals to become their own futurist. PJ writes and speaks about the insight, knowledge and solid decision-making skills that professionals and their clients need to live and work in this vortex of change. For instance, since PJ knows that home is headquarters for the new decades-long "unretirement," she wrote the popular book "Reverse Mortgages: Best Friend, Worst Enemy...Your Choice!", which is filled with suggestions and cautions on protecting, building and managing home equity. Her new business book, "What's Your Point?: Cut The Crap, Hit The Mark & Stick!" will be published in 2012.
As The Catalyst, PJ provides strategic communication, client appreciation and advanced education services to the financial, tourism, lifestyle and service sectors - and the clients they serve. A frequently-quoted financial and business commentator, PJ is a thought-provoking strategic speaker who offers practical, real-life suggestions on leaving "the box" behind and embracing Forward Thinking - a talent she regularly demonstrates in this column. For more on keynotes, blogs, books and information on a range of 21st-Century topics, visit TheCatalyst.com. |
