Feeling alone and sad when you remember the family together, the dinner preparation and the exchange of gifts is very normal.

Your first one, you won’t forget. Mine was in London. I missed my mum, my dad, my sisters, my dog, my annoying cat, my friends, the food, the noise, the smell, I even missed the arguments and the whole family drama around the table. 

The truth is that Christmas can be sad if you’re alone but it helps to face this moment with an open mind, being flexible, understanding and respectful of this new experience.  Living and learning.

So if you can relate, here are some tips that might help you going through this moment.

1. Keep your mind busy: 

• Have you thought about your new year resolutions yet? Make a list of the things you would love to do in 2021 or what changes you would like to make in your life.

• What’s that book you wanted to read but never got the chance? It could be a good time to start.

• Reflecting about your achievements and focusing on what’s exciting about the future can bring you hope and fill your heart with joy. Maybe it’s time to finally start that vision board everyone talks about.

2. Help someone in need: 

• Volunteer. You’re situation may be sad but the reality is that people are having worse days than you. Visit For You Haiti and you will find a million ways to help children in need.

• Spend time with friends who are on the same boat as you!

• Smile at people you cross paths with. Wish them merry Christmas. Simple gestures can mean a lot to others and also to yourself.

3. Change your perception:

• Christmas away from home is not better or worse. It’s just different! 

• Stop comparing

• Stop complaining.

That’s the first step to a happy Christmas! 

I would love to hear what are your favourite ways to deal with times like this?