Written by Asia Outten

Christmas is right around the corner and the festivities are about to start. Usually, Christmas is about spending time with family and friends, attending parties, putting up christmas decorations, being bundled up watching holiday movies, listening to holiday songs, exchanging gifts, and so many other merry activities. However, this Christmas, not all of us are as merry as others. Some of us may find ourselves spending this COVID-y Christmas alone, or at least away from family, due to travel restrictions and other factors. Due to fear of missing out (FOMO), going solo on Christmas can feel devastating. However, this does not have to be the case. Here are a few ideas on how you can light up the holidays and bring joy to this season, even if you’re feeling a bit isolated.

If you enjoy reading, you can take some time to dive into a few books. The books you read can be Christmas-themed or centered around any topic, really. With the latest COVID restrictions, libraries are currently closed - but don’t let this stop you! Both the SMU library and the Halifax Public Library have ongoing virtual operations as well as contactless, curbside pickup. You can also browse free reads online, or if you have the money to do so, you can purchase e-books on Amazon or other websites. You can also try listening to audio-books on Youtube, reviewing some of the nifty articles from The SMU Journal, checking out our Fall reading list, or even listening to podcasts. There are plenty of options for you to choose from.

To rekindle some joy, you can try spreading some cheer this season with a few acts of kindness. Give what you can, whether it be monetary or acts of service to a few charitable organizations here in Halifax. You can consider donating to Challenge Aids and Malaria (CHAMA) to combat Malaria and AIDS in Africa, or the Brunswick Street Mission to support those living in poverty. You can also apply to volunteer with the Canadian Red Cross or look for other volunteer opportunities at Volunteer Halifax. Remember, giving can feel just as good as receiving, particularly during the holiday season.

If you have been too busy with school, work, or both for the past couple of months and haven’t had enough time or energy to catch up on your favorite shows, the holiday break is the perfect time to do so. It is okay to watch television - you don’t need to feel guilty about it, and it’s a good way to de-stress, relax your body, and keep your mind distracted. Haven’t started any shows? Netflix, Hayu, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV and other streaming platforms have an array of shows that you can choose from. If you like comedy sitcoms, maybe check out Girlfriends on Netflix, or if you’re into documentaries, Lore is a good option on Amazon Prime Video. You’re bound to find something you like and that’s binge-worthy.

Exercising is a great way to increase endorphins, elevate your mood and bonus - stay in shape! A lot of the public gyms are closed now and might still be closed by the time Christmas comes around, but don’t let that stop you. You can try doing at-home workouts like crunches, push-ups, jumping jacks, squats and more. Yoga and meditation have lots of benefits too! If you don’t like being cooped up in the house all day, trying going out for a brisk walk or a run - just remember to dress comfortably as it is now cold outside. Inviting a friend over, or going over to their place so that you can workout together is an option too - provided you both follow safe social distancing practices and other COVID guidelines. If you’re unsure of where to start, FitOn is a free online platform that has tons of free videos - from yoga to strength training to High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). Youtubers like HangTightwMarcie and BullyJuice have videos demonstrating at-home workouts that require little to no equipment. For those who have no experience working out, home workouts are a great way to start, and get to know the routine, so that way when the gym reopens, you’ll have a head start.

Since you’ll be by yourself for the holiday season, now is as good a time as any to practice self-care. Self-care can be anything from meditating, practicing gratitude and positivity, or treating yourself to an at home DIY spa-day. Self-care is exceptionally important during the break, as things are going to become busy again in the winter term. Pinterest has many options for self-care and DIY projects that you can browse through and put to the test. For example, check out this DIY lip scrub, or this DIY lavender clay face mask, or try out this self-care routine. Who knows? Maybe you’ll discover a new hobby or two that you’re good at and enjoy. To really delve deeper into self care and why it’s valuable to both mental and physical health, check out our self-care article.

According to this article posted by NBC News, music is scientifically proven to boost your mood - even more than coffee does! This is possible due to the release of dopamine and serotonins that elevate feelings of pleasure, well-being and happiness. Perhaps you can try creating your own playlist on Youtube, Apple Music or Spotify. Your playlist can be composed of Christmas music, songs from other genres that make you happy, or both! The choice is up to you.

It can feel depressing when you are not able to be with your family and friends during a time when you feel like you are supposed to be there the most. Although you can not be there physically, technology has made it easier for you to connect with loved ones virtually. If you are unable to be there for in-person parties due to COVID restrictions or because you’re miles away in another location, try hosting Zoom parties or a party on another platform that allows you to video-call. Physically or virtually, seeing and hearing from your loved ones is bound to cheer you up.

The SMU Journal understands that some students at Saint Mary’s University may not be able to travel home this Christmas, and we wanted you to know that no matter the circumstances, the holidays can still be made Merry. Feel free to also read this article by The Oprah Magazine for more ideas on how to spend christmas alone and still make it merry without family.

A Very COVID-y Christmas: Combating Loneliness this Holiday Season

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