5 Ways to Make the Most of Holidays Spent Alone

1. Look Forward to Peace and Quiet

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” (Isaiah 26:3)

It’s nearly impossible to carve out quiet time during the holidays. Whether it’s school programs, gift exchanges, or company dinners, people are usually booked from mid-November through the New Year. You, on the other hand, get to look forward to the peace and quiet afforded you this holiday season. Instead of feeling anxious about being alone, plan on peaceful routines to carry you through:

-Reading by the fire

-Listening to Classical music

-Trying new comfort-food recipes

-Taking peaceful walks in the late afternoon

Keep your mind steadfast on the things of God and receive His perfect peace. If worry comes knocking, don’t feel obligated to answer. You have the blessing of God’s peace to sustain you, eliminating all worry, anxiety, and fear. Tap into the Lord’s blessings of peace and quiet, His loving gifts to you.

2. Look Forward to Clear Thinking

“Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.” (Luke 24:45)

Being around people usually includes distraction and interruption. While it’s good to fellowship with others, there’s something to be said about solitude and the opportunity it provides for clarity of thought.

As the holidays approach, look forward to incorporating more Bible study, journaling, and Scripture memory. You might even consider taking an online course or finding a video-based study to enjoy at your own pace. Imagine the knowledge and wisdom you’ll gain this season, utilizing your time to think clearly without interruption.

Here are more helpful ways to utilize your alone time:

6 Ways to Make Better Use of Your Time

10 Biblical Tips for Making the Best Use of Time

A Prayer to Use Your Time Wisely

Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love: A 4-Week Advent Study

Embracing Gratitude: A 4-Week Study on What it Is and Why it's Important

Journal a prayer thanking God for being with you through the holidays. Include inspiring Scriptures that remind you of His constant presence. Spend all the time you need reading, studying, and memorizing. The gift of time is yours for the taking.

3. Look Forward to Your Own Schedule

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12)

Sleeping in, enjoying a leisurely breakfast, exercising here and there…these are just a few benefits of spending the holidays alone. Because you’re not bound by other people’s agendas, you get to determine what your schedule looks like and choose only the activities that bring you joy.

As you make plans for the next couple of months, consider incorporating a few special outings such as:

-Driving around town to see the lights

-Visiting the zoo or other local attractions

-Seeing a holiday play or musical

-Going to a movie, complete with popcorn and candy

If rest is what you prefer, schedule that too, giving yourself permission to catch up on much-needed sleep. As everyone around you hustles and bustles to the next event, you’ll get to watch from a distance, enjoying the holidays at your own pace.

Follow Jesus’ words from Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

4. Look Forward to the True Meaning

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV)

Let’s be honest: holidays can be stressful. Kids need cupcakes for their classroom parties, neighbors need help putting up their lights, co-workers need RSVPs for the fancy dinners they’re hosting…the list of holiday expectations is a mile long!

You, however, can breathe a sigh of relief, looking forward to the true meaning of the holidays without the pressure.

-You get to choose which decorations (if any) you want to put up.

-You get to plan your holiday menu, keeping it as simple as you like.

-You get to shop for gifts when it’s convenient for you.

-You get to focus on Jesus, the reason for it all.

Thankfully, you aren’t distracted by holiday obligations this year. Instead, you’re able to make Christ a priority with ample time to rest, reflect, and rejoice in Him. How will you honor the Lord in your personal and intimate celebration?

5. Look Forward to Something New

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:19)

When holidays roll around, we’re likely to be introspective and think about years gone by. We might remember childhood traditions and recreate special memories in our minds. But holidays are also opportunities to look forward to something new. Consider these possibilities:

-What is God doing in your life to deepen your faith and give you courage for the days ahead?

-What is stirring in your heart regarding ministry or Kingdom work?

-If you could travel anywhere, where would it be and why?

-What new habit could you implement to bring greater health and joy?

Allow yourself to daydream about what the future holds. Tell God about your hopes and dreams. Don’t hold anything back! He loves to hear from you, even though He already knows what’s on your heart. Trust God to do a new thing. Ask for open eyes to see the opportunities He provides. Watch for open doors and be brave enough to walk through them.

Make these holidays spent alone a wonderful time of reflection and renewal, imagining a bright, beautiful future ahead. God bless you and keep you, my friend.

An honest prayer to take with you:

Lord, I’m spending the holidays alone this year, and I have mixed emotions about it. On one hand, I’m grateful for the time to rest and reflect. On the other hand, I’m worried I’ll be sad and depressed. Please meet me right where I am, leading me to find joy in Your presence. Help me look forward to the peace and quiet. Turn my thoughts to the true meaning of the holidays, and keep my gaze fixed on You. I look forward to all You have planned for me in the near future, and I know You are with me now. In Jesus’ holy name, amen.

More Resources for Spending the Holidays Alone:

How to Stay Positive When You're Spending the Holidays Alone

8 Things to Do if Spending Thanksgiving Alone

10 Things to Do if You're Spending Christmas Alone

A Guide for Spending Any Holiday Alone

Photo Credit: ©iStofk/Getty Images Plus/Drazen Zigic