The Christmas season is often considered the "the most wonderful time of the year," and rightfully so. Families all over the world come together in the spirit of Christmas. Everyone catches up on how life has been for one another, newborn babies are introduced to the entire family, and memories are shared and created every single time this lovely holiday comes around. Unfortunately, throughout life's journey, circumstances may arise that keep us from our loved ones during these festivities. During my enlistment in the United States Marine Corps, I often missed the Christmas holiday. During that time, I developed a system in order to handle this type of situation and it helped me immensely during any absence from holiday family gatherings.
1. Make The Effort To Contact Your Family.
It may feel like you are all alone on this holiday, but reaching out to your family can prove quite the contrary. When I was in the Marine Corps, I wasn't able to make it home one year and calling my family first thing in the morning was one of the best ideas I'd had. Modern technology allowed me to video chat with them and I was able to see all of my extended family. They all wished me well, sent their love, and asked for my address so they could send presents. Making the effort to contact my family set the perfect tone for the remainder of my day.
2. Reach Out To Your Closest Friends.
Taking the time to reach out and send positive energy to your closest friends is another excellent step in ensuring your Christmas isn't spent feeling lonesome. I tend to spend about an hour reaching out to everyone outside of my family. There have even been instances where I was able to help a friend overcome feelings of depression sometimes associated with the holiday seasons. This was the ultimate sign for me of how important an action this was for every holiday. Being there for someone else is one the best ways to strengthen oneself, for the true sign of strength is not displayed in any one person, but rather in the way they treat others.
3. Put Down The Phone.
Now that you've spent your morning reaching out to your family and loved ones, go ahead and put that phone down. Spend some time reflecting on your year and the relationships you have cultivated during it. Do so with an attitude of thankfulness and introspection. This is a sure way to gain some perspective over the year you have experienced and should help prepare you for the upcoming year.
4. Treat Yourself.
Since you are on your own for the holiday, there is no reason to hold yourself back form anything you might want to do. Take yourself out, check out that restaurant you never had the chance to visit, go on that hike you've been eyeing but never had the time to go out and do. Use this time to do what YOU want to do. You don't have anyone to answer to and sometimes that can be refreshing, especially if you've already spoken with your family and friends. Now go make some stories that you can tell them all about the next time you talk.
5. Most Importantly, Remember That Missing A Holiday Does Not Mean You Are Forgotten.
At some point, everyone will miss out on an important event. However, missing the holidays can have an especially profound impact on an individual. Just because you can't make it home for the holidays does not mean that no one remembers you. Your family is thinking of you just as you are thinking of them. Just use this time to better learn who you are and become capable of enjoying your own company. You are missed, you are appreciated, and you will be home before you know it.
Throughout this holiday season, it is my sincerest hope that you find your way home and to the arms of those you love. However, if that is not a plausible option for you this year, it is my hope that you use the steps listed above to make the most of your Christmas. Perhaps you will find it to be quite enlightening and refreshing. To all reading this, I wish a very Merry Christmas to you and yours. May the New Year find you achieving all of your wildest dreams and may you continue to lead the fulfilling and blessed life you deserve.
