5 Things To Do Alone This Christmas: With A Musical Twist
Photo by Anthony Tran on Unsplash.
Holiday season is usually a time filled with childlike wonder, human connection and reflection. It’s a time to give to those with less, be thankful for your own resources and to be kind, gentle and warm during a typically harsh period. For many, it’s something to look forward to every year, a time of excitement and celebrations. People start putting up decorations, playing the familiar tunes and get ready for good food, making gifts and gathering with their communities.
Then there’s a portion of us, where holidays just don’t work out the way we’d like them to. People have to work long hours, sometimes on the day of. Driving around gets more treacherous, so friends would rather bundle up inside and stay home. The list of fun activities to do gets much more limited. Seeing families, for some of us, is either impossible due to distance, lack of funds for travel or PTO, or it’s an awkward, stressful experience we would rather avoid.
There’s a reason why this season is usually described as the “loneliest time of the year,” and there are many who carry on in isolation and seclusion when the Santa hats start coming out. There are many people — the homeless, the elderly, veterans, the incarcerated, the sick — that either can’t see loved ones, are abandoned by them, or literally don’t have anyone to share in libations.
Some people dread the holiday season, because they have to mentally prepare for spending holidays alone.
As many of us have transitioned into adulthood, families have scattered all over the country and friend groups have dwindled, being alone for holidays is almost a guarantee for some. Some of us are lucky if we get a phone call. As childhood wanes, there’s no more Christmas caroling. There’s no more grandiose decor or even a real Christmas tree (I’m allergic, thanks, body). Gifts are very rare for some of us in this economy. In the capitalistic country we live in, I know I’m not the only one who has had to figure out things to do alone for holidays.
Don’t be disheartened if you’re in this boat — there are a few small comforts we can seek out to make the day festive and cozy. For me, you all know me well enough by now to know that I reach for music first, but there’s still plenty of Christmas spirit to go around, from the smell of spices on the air to the sound of crackling logs on the fireplace, sipping warm beverages to sparkling lights adorning entire neighborhoods, and everyone remembers to be a bit nicer. It truly is a time to cultivate hope for the new year ahead.
If you need some fun things to do alone this Christmas, don’t be discouraged: I got you. If you can’t make any virtual holiday party ideas come to fruition at the very least, here are five things you can occupy yourself with if you’re all by your lonesome this year.
Vinyl Party – It’s a classic.
Photo by The Retro Store on Unsplash.
Even if you don’t collect vinyl records like me, slapping on a holiday playlist and jamming to Christmas tunes is one of my favorite ways to celebrate. It’s so much more than background noise for me, it’s the perfect way to ground and to become present. When things may not be going great, putting on a smooth jazz album, a folk or indie playlist or even a purely instrumental vinyl may be just the thing that makes you feel whole, even for a short while. The problems of the day after Christmas can wait. And Hell, you might even find yourself dancing or singing along — do it like nobody's watching!
Cook or bake something new.
Photo by micheile henderson on Unsplash.
If you’re a chef-type personality, trying out a new recipe is perfect for when you’re only cooking for a party of one. This is the chance to make mistakes, find out what works, or get lucky and create a confectionary delight. You know, just make sure you have a Plan B meal ready to go if things go south. But if it comes out great, the best part is you’ll have leftovers all to yourself, and no one is going to steal them. Fill your home like a sweet bakery or a savory restaurant — even if it is just for the smells. Since this is a music blog — you could combine this with the Vinyl Party idea for extra holiday vibes, and dance in the kitchen while you cook. Just don’t wear those fuzzy socks on slippery floors (speaking from experience here).
Volunteer for a cause.
Photo by Joel Muniz on Unsplash.
This is something I would do a lot more often if I could, I might even start doing it every year. If you’re isolated for Christmas, one of the best things you can do is give back, even if it’s in small ways. Nothing makes you feel gratitude quicker than helping those who are less fortunate than you, and this time of year is the perfect opportunity to check out what’s out there. You could even volunteer to help with operations for your local art museums, performing theaters and concert halls! There will probably be plenty of benefit and charity shows too. If you need a little push in the right direction, I’ve provided a starting list for you here:
Make everyone Christmas cards or become a penpal.
Photo by Tanya Trukyr on Unsplash.
Sort of piggy-backing off the volunteer point, a great way to stay connected is to send Christmas cards or become somebody’s letter-writing buddy (oh yeah, letters! Remember those?). Even if you don’t have the mental capacity for familial Christmas cards — there’s plenty of ways you can spread some Christmas cheer in a more indirect, passive way. Have you seen those book exchanges going viral on social media? You could even start a music exchange (vinyl records, CDs, individual songs, Spotify playlists, etc.) and get everyone involved exposing themselves to different tastes and perspectives! There are musical penpal programs too, mostly connecting youth with seniors, but I haven’t seen one for the Reno area yet. Here are a few more ideas if you need it:
Adopt A Letter To Santa and make a kid’s Christmas wish come true.
Become a Penpal for the Incarcerated / in Rehabilitation.
Plant a Christmas Tree on Someone’s Behalf, and Send Them the Card.
Go Christmas light hunting.
Photo by Juliana Malta on Unsplash.
If you don’t have any Christmas parties to go to but still want to get out of the house, hunting for the best Christmas lights display can be super fun with or without passengers. Some websites publish neighborhoods to scope out or main hotspots where people go all out with extravagant decorations — and some even time their lights to music. All in all, if you’re lonely and need something to do, this is a great way to get in the mood without depending on a group to go with. Just make sure to stay safe and drive carefully if the weather is snowy or icy.
Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year from Funk Punk Lives, Reno’s Music Blog!
If you’re having a Blue Christmas this year, you’re not alone. A lot of us have to spend the holidays in silence but there’s ways we can cope with seasonal loneliness to make this time go by smoother. While holidays are usually for meeting with loved ones, it’s okay if it doesn’t work out for you. There are many people who go through the same thing, and if there’s anything I can impart from this last blog of the year on Funk Punk Lives, it’s that there is solidarity in our experiences. This won’t last forever, and there are still many things to look forward to in 2024.
If you or anyone you know is experiencing loneliness, depression (seasonal or otherwise), anxiety or any other mental health issues, please utilize the resources provided below.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
1-888-628-9454 en español
1-800-799-4889 via TTY for the deaf, hard of hearing or those with hearing loss
Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Crisis Text Line:
Text "HELLO" to 741741
Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Mindful organizations for musicians and their mental health
