While images of happy families show up on tv and just about everywhere at this time of year, we all know someone who will be alone or grieving. The families of Newtown who have lost a little one or a mother, sister, wife will not do much celebration this year.
But it's not necessary to have experienced such a tragedy to not feel like celebrating. If you have lost a family member this year, Christmas will be different. If you are newly separated, Christmas will be different. If the kids spend Christmas with the other parent, Christmas will be different.
What can you do to take care of yourself if you are alone. Here are some ideas:
1) Invite one or two friends over and cook a good meal
2) Volunteer to serve a meal at a shelter
3) Plan an activity in nature: skiing, snow-shoeing, hiking, alone or with a friend
4) Use the day to paint your living room (I did this the first year I was separated and the kids were with their dad)
5) Call family members you have not seen for a while, invite them or invite yourself
6) Have an open house mid-afternoon for friends and neighbours
7) Offer to babysit a friend's, neighbour's or family member's child for a couple of hours so the parents can go ski, read or have a quiet meal
8) Make the most of the day to read that book you've been meaning to read for so long
9) Clean a closet and make a package for the St. Vincent de Paul or other agency that accepts used clothing
10)Finally, last but not least, make a list of everything you are grateful for. Everything.
Marguerite Tennier, M.A.
Canada's Coach
Success and Fearless Living Coach for Women
Life and Wellness Coaching for Women
http://www.canadas-coach.com
http://www.eftottawa.com
