Spending Christmas alone can feel heavy before it even arrives. The weeks leading up to it are full of adverts about perfect families, cosy couples, packed dinner tables, and traditions that assume everyone has somewhere to be and someone to spend the day with. If you’re single, far from family, newly on your own, or simply choosing not to do the whole big festive thing this year, it’s easy to feel like you’re doing Christmas “wrong.”
But here’s the truth. Spending Christmas alone doesn’t mean you’ve failed, missed out, or ended up with the short straw. It also doesn’t mean the day has to be lonely, depressing, or expensive. In fact, a solo Christmas can be calm, comforting, intentional, and surprisingly lovely — especially when you stop trying to force it to look like everyone else’s version of the holiday.
Over the years, I’ve spent Christmas alone in different ways. Sometimes by choice, sometimes because life, money, distance, or circumstances made that the reality. And while it’s not always easy, it’s also never been meaningless. There’s something quietly powerful about creating a Christmas that suits you, your energy, your budget, your emotional bandwidth, without pressure, expectations, or comparison.
This guide focuses on how to enjoy Christmas alone in a way that feels calm, affordable, and emotionally supportive, without forcing yourself into traditions that don’t fit. We’ll cover how to make Christmas feel festive without overspending, how to look after yourself emotionally, and how to fill the day with cosy, grounding moments that actually feel good. Whether you want a low-key Christmas in pyjamas, a gentle mix of solo rituals and connection, or a full festive day planned entirely on your terms, this post will help you design a Christmas that feels right for you.
If you’re spending Christmas alone, the best way to make it feel easier is to choose your holiday vibe, set a budget for the full season, plan a gentle Christmas Eve and Christmas Day routine, then build in a few cosy rituals like films, food, and self-care.
Why Being Alone At Christmas Is Okay
Spending Christmas alone can be genuinely hard, and it’s important to say that out loud. It can really hurt knowing there will be no gifts under your tree (if you even put one up), because there’s no one buying you a present. No card landing on the doormat. No shared meal with loved ones. No Christmas dinner at all unless you make it happen for yourself.
Christmas dinner for one can feel deeply sad. But going out for Christmas dinner can feel even worse — uncomfortable, expensive, or like a very public reminder that you’re doing something different because you have no partner, family, or friends to spend the day with, all while being surrounded by families and couples. Even if you’re usually comfortable being independent, Christmas has a way of highlighting what’s missing rather than what’s present. It can be an extremely lonely and isolating time of year when you have no one to experience it with.
If You Feel This Way, You’re Not Alone
— and you’re not imagining it. Christmas is emotionally loaded. It’s literally designed around togetherness, traditions, shared rituals, and gift-giving. When you don’t have those things, or when you’ve chosen not to participate because you’re on your own, it can bring up overwhelming feelings of grief, loneliness, and being on the outside looking in at everyone else’s joyful celebrations. Whether this is your first Christmas alone or your tenth year in a row, you’re allowed to feel all of it. That doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with you. It just means you’re human.
What often gets overlooked, though, is just how many people spend Christmas alone. Single women. People in their twenties, thirties, forties, and beyond. Expats and immigrants. People who work through the holidays. Those who’ve lost family, are estranged, live far away, or don’t have safe or healthy family dynamics. Some people choose to be alone. Many others don’t. Either way, it’s far more common than Christmas advertising, movies, and festive attractions would have you believe.
There’s Also Another, Brighter Side To A Solo Christmas
The peace, and the moments of joy, can come from that freedom. When you’re on your own, you get to decide exactly how Christmas Day looks, and how the entire holiday season unfolds. There’s no forced socialising. No fake niceness with people you dislike or who don’t treat you well. No navigating awkward family dynamics. No spending money you don’t really have on gifts you’re not confident will even be appreciated. No cooking for large groups. No long days that leave you exhausted, overstimulated, or quietly counting down the hours until it’s over.
Instead of buying gifts out of obligation, you can buy something you actually want or genuinely need. Instead of stretching your budget to please everyone else, you can put that money towards comfort, rest, or a small indulgence that improves your life or brings you joy. You don’t have to cook a full Christmas dinner unless you want to. You don’t have to travel anywhere. You don’t have to compromise to keep other people happy. You don’t have to be fake polite with anyone.
A Solo Christmas Can Be Far More Relaxing
Being on your own at Christmas time also removes a lot of the hidden stress that comes with the season. The emotional labour. The expectations. The family politics. The pressure to perform happiness or gratitude. When you’re alone, you can opt out of all of that. You can wake up when you want. Eat what you want. Watch what you want. Rest when you need to. There’s a quiet relief in not having to manage anyone else’s feelings or traditions.
Being alone at Christmas doesn’t mean you’re unwanted or unloved. Not having presents under the tree or cards to open on Christmas morning doesn’t mean there’s something inherently wrong with you. It doesn’t mean you’re behind in life or failing some invisible timeline society insists you should be following. It simply means this season of your life looks different from other people’s, and different isn’t the same as wrong. Christmas doesn’t have to be crowded, expensive, or busy to be meaningful, and it doesn’t need to be shared to be valid.
When you allow yourself to accept that being alone is okay, even if it’s bittersweet, you give yourself permission to stop fighting the day and start shaping it. And that’s where a solo Christmas can slowly shift from something you endure every year (and trust me, I’ve been there many times) into something you move through with self-love, kindness, intention, and a little more peace.
If you’re finding Christmas particularly hard this year, you might find my surviving Christmas alone guide helpful as it’s focused on practical ways to cope when the season feels emotionally overwhelming.
Decide Your Solo Christmas Vibes
Before you get caught up in the prospect of being alone over the holiday season, and start planning any food, decorating, or activities to fill the days with, ask yourself one simple question: what do you want your Christmas to feel like this year? Do you want to try and celebrate it your own way or do you want to boycott it?
When you’re spending Christmas alone, there’s no single version you have to live up to. You don’t need to recreate a traditional Christmas for one if that doesn’t suit you. You don’t need to be overly festive if you’re feeling low. And you don’t need to keep yourself busy from morning to night just to avoid uncomfortable feelings. Your solo Christmas can be exactly as quiet, cosy, reflective, active or indulgent as you want it to be.
Deciding your “Christmas vibes” upfront makes everything else easier, and it will help you to reframe being alone at Christmas positively. It will take the pressure off and gives you a clear lens for choices around money, food, plans, and energy. Instead of asking what you should be doing, you can start asking what you want to be doing and what would actually feel supportive right now.
Here are a few solo Christmas vibe ideas to help you figure out what feels right for you.
The Cozy And Restful Christmas
This vibe is all about slowing down. Think soft lighting, comfortable clothes, warm drinks, naps, books, and low-effort meals. You might spend the day watching films, journaling, going for a gentle winter walk, or doing absolutely nothing productive at all. This is a great option if you’re emotionally drained, burnt out, or just craving peace.
The Self-Care Christmas
If the past year has been heavy, a self-care focused Christmas can feel incredibly nourishing. That might look like a long bath, skincare you’ve been saving, a pamper night, stretching or yoga, a slow morning, or creating a cosy at-home spa day. This vibe is about looking after your body and nervous system, not “fixing” anything.
The Treat Yourself Christmas
This is the Christmas where you lean into small indulgences without guilt. Ordering your favourite takeaway. Buying yourself something you’ve been putting off. Upgrading your snacks. Opening a gift you bought just for you. It doesn’t have to be expensive, it just needs to feel intentional and joyful.
The Creative And Reflective Christmas
For some people, Christmas alone is a natural time for reflection. This vibe might include writing, vision-boarding, photography, creative projects, or planning gently for the year ahead. It’s not about productivity or pressure — it’s about giving yourself space to process, imagine, and reset.
The Lightly Social Christmas
Spending Christmas alone doesn’t mean total isolation if that’s not what you want. This vibe might include a short call with a friend, a virtual movie night, a walk with a neighbour, popping out to see Christmas lights or going out for Christmas dinner. The key here is that any social activities are optional and on your terms.
Mix And Match Vibes To Create A Christmas That Works Best For You
You don’t have to pick just one vibe, and you don’t have to stick to it rigidly. Many solo Christmases work best as a gentle mix — a cosy morning, a nice meal, one small point of connection, then an early night. The goal isn’t to fill the day. It’s to create a rhythm that feels kind.
Once you’ve decided your solo Christmas vibes, everything else becomes simpler. Your budget makes more sense. Your plans feel lighter. And both the day itself and the holiday season will stop feeling like something you need to survive and start feeling like something you’ve consciously shaped for yourself.
Setting Your Christmas Budget
When you’re spending Christmas alone, budgeting isn’t about restriction or cutting all the joy out of the season. It’s simply about protecting yourself, emotionally and financially, so that the entire holiday period feels manageable and enjoyable rather than stressful.
It also helps to zoom out and think about the entire holiday season. Christmas isn’t just one day. It’s the run-up, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and the in-between week until New Years Eve where all routines disappear and spending can easily spiral. Setting a budget for the entire full Christmas period up until New Years Day will give you clarity and control so that you don’t wake up at the start of January wondering where all of your money went.
What Can You Comfortably Afford To Spend?
If you’re trying to set a Christmas budget when you’re single, think in categories rather than perfection once you know how much you’re comfortable spending overall. Also include the whole festive season not just Christmas Day. Personally, I usually look at the 14 day+ period from about Dec 18/19 to January 1st; what activities I want to do and their costs, food and drink for that period and anything else I want to treat myself to like eating out, and a Christmas Eve box.
Be honest with yourself about what you want your solo Christmas season to be like, and whether you want to splurge this year with lots of treats or have a minimalist Christmas. No matter what you want to do, remember that a smaller, realistic budget that you stick to will always feel better than an ambitious one that leaves you anxious or guilty. You can just add a comfortable buffer for indulgences if you want to be more extravagant without getting stressed out about money.
Once you have a rough total of what you can afford, break it down into simple categories. You don’t need anything fancy, just enough structure to make conscious choices while making the most of being on your own over the festive period.
Common Solo Christmas Budget Categories
- Food and drinks for the festive period
- Treats or gifts for yourself
- Decorations or cosy home upgrades
- Festive activities and solo dates
- Self-care expenses to pamper yourself a little
Prioritize What You Care About The Most
You don’t need to include every category. If decorations don’t matter to you, skip them. If food is your main source of joy, allocate more there. Your budget should reflect your priorities, not someone else’s idea of what Christmas should look like.
It’s also helpful to decide what you’re not spending money on this year. No obligatory gifts. No travel you can’t afford. No expensive social plans you feel pressured into. Saying no upfront protects your budget and your energy, especially during a season where comparison and expectation can creep in easily.
If money is tight, focus on stretching joy rather than stretching your finances. One cosy decoration you love can do more than a full room of clutter. One intentional treat can feel more special than lots of small impulse purchases. And free or low-cost activities, winter walks, Christmas lights, movies at home, journaling, or baking, can anchor the season just as much as anything expensive.
Create A Small “Buffer” Within Your Christmas Budget
This might be a little extra money for spontaneous hot chocolates and treats, an unplanned outing to a festive event, a comfort purchase on a harder day, a nicer Christmas dinner, or a mini shopping spree for yourself. Having a bit of extra money in your budget will just reduce any urges you get to overspend while giving you permission to respond to how you’re actually feeling during the holidays.
Most importantly, please remind yourself often that you don’t owe anyone a picture-perfect Christmas. You don’t need to prove to anyone, especially on social media, that you’re coping by filling your days with paid activities. You don’t have to compensate for being alone by overspending. And you definitely don’t need to massively overspend or be fake in anyway to make people think you have “the best life”. The only person who matters is you.
A solo Christmas budget isn’t about deprivation or going overboard; it’s about choosing calm, comfort, sustainability and things that will bring you a little joy across the entire festive season. Trust me when I say from experience that when your finances feel steady, the rest of Christmas always feels lighter and more enjoyable, no matter the circumstances. And that’s exactly the kind of foundation you want when you’re navigating the holidays on your own.
Solo Christmas Budget Template
This example for you to copy covers the full festive period; the run-up to Christmas, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and the in-between days, not just Christmas Day itself. The numbers are intentionally modest and merely intended as a starting point for you.
- Festive food and drinks: $120
Festive grocery items, snacks, hot chocolate, Christmas Day meal, festive treats (on top of regular groceries) - One or two gifts for yourself: $50
Something practical or comforting you’ll use beyond December is ideal - Decorations and cosy home touches: $25
Fairy lights, candles, festive items you genuinely love - Activities and outings: $55
Christmas markets, light displays, winter walks with a hot drink, or a small experience. A mix of free, low-cost and ticketed events is the sweet spot for activities. - Self-care and wellbeing: $20
Bath products, skincare, journaling supplies, or a cosy night-in upgrade - Buffer for spontaneous treats: $50
A little flexibility for tough days or last-minute plans
Total solo Christmas budget: $320
This isn’t a rule or a target, it’s just a framework for you to work from. Some people will spend less. Some will spend more. The point is just that every dollar has a purpose, and nothing is spent out of guilt, comparison, or pressure.
Solo Christmas Budget Checklist
- Decide your total Christmas budget for the full festive period
- Choose 3 to 5 spending categories that matter most to you
- Set rough limits for each category
- Decide what you are not spending money on this year
- Plan at least one intentional treat for yourself
- Build in a buffer for unexpected moments
- Avoid last-minute spending driven by loneliness or comparison
- Review your budget before Christmas Eve
- Give yourself permission to adjust without guilt
Solo Christmas Budget Calculator
Use this quick Solo Christmas Budget Calculator to plan your spending for the full festive season — the run-up to Christmas, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and the in-between days — so you can enjoy the holidays without overspending or stressing.
Solo Christmas Budget Calculator
Plan your budget for the full festive season, not just Christmas Day.
DIY Christmas Decor: Make Your Space Feel Festive Without Overspending
Decorating for Christmas when you’re on your own can feel pointless at first. It’s easy to think, what’s the point if no one else is coming over to see it? But Christmas decor isn’t about impressing anyone, it’s about how your space makes you feel when you wake up, make a cup of tea, or settle in for the evening.
You don’t need a full tree if you don’t want one, any expensive decorations, or a perfectly styled home to make things feel cozy, festive, and uplifting. A few intentional items and touches can completely shift the mood of your space, and most of them cost very little or nothing at all if you are willing to shop around a little.
Start with inexpensive lighting. Fairy lights instantly make a room feel warmer and more comforting, especially in the darker winter months. You’ll find them in most dollar stores for $2-$3. Drape them along a shelf, around a window, over a headboard, or inside glass jars for soft, ambient light. Candles are another simple upgrade, real or battery-operated, that will instantly add warmth and a sense of calm without much effort.
Make Your Home Nice And Cosy
Textiles always make a big difference too. Extra blankets, cosy throws, festive cushion covers, fluffy socks, or even just rearranging your cushions can create that Christmas-at-home feeling. If you want to lean into it, a blanket fort or a cosy floor setup for movie nights is easy to create and can feel surprisingly comforting, especially when the evenings feel long.
Make Your Own Decorations For Less
If you enjoy crafting, handmade decorations are a really easy way to make Christmas feel more personal without spending much. Dollarama, pound shops, and thrift stores are great for festive decor basics like ribbon, pinecones, mini baubles, twine, or greenery. You can make simple ornaments, a small wreath, or even decorate a plant instead of buying a full tree. It doesn’t need to be perfect, handmade almost always feels warmer than store-bought. Pinterest is a great place for decor ideas if you need some inspiration.
Create A Comfy Christmas Nook
One idea that works especially well for solo Christmases is creating a small “Christmas nook.” This can be as simple as a chair by the window, a corner of the sofa made extra comfy and cozy, or a little setup on your bed. Add a blanket, a nice cushion, fairy lights, and a small festive item or two. This will be your designated space for reading, journaling, watching Christmas films, or just sitting quietly with a hot drink. Having one cosy corner in your home can be more impactful than decorating an entire apartment.
Get Yourself Into The Festive Spirit With Music
Music is another underrated element. A winter or Christmas playlist playing softly in the background can instantly make your space feel festive, even if you haven’t decorated at all. It’s also something you can turn on and off depending on your mood, which is helpful if Christmas feelings come and go. For ideas on what festive songs to include in your playlist check out my curated ultimate Christmas music collection.
Most importantly, whatever you choose to do, don’t overwhelm yourself. You don’t need to do everything. Just pick one to three decor ideas that genuinely appeal to you. A few fairy lights, one cosy corner, and a playlist can be more than enough. The goal isn’t to create a picture-perfect Christmas like the ones you see on an influencers social media, it’s to make your space feel safe, warm, and comforting during a season that can be emotionally heavy.
If your home feels a little softer and more inviting when you come in from the cold, you’ve done enough.
If you’re looking for more easy, budget-friendly ways to decorate, I’ve shared low-cost Christmas decor ideas that work especially well when you’re celebrating on your own.
Thriftmas: A Fun, Thoughtful, Low-Cost Way To Do Christmas Alone
Thriftmas is exactly what it sounds like, embracing second-hand, low-cost, and creative choices throughout the Christmas season. And when you’re spending Christmas alone, it can be one of the most grounding and enjoyable ways to approach the holidays. Personally, I love thrifting because it’s a fun way to do Christmas for less and I always find at least one or two treasures.
Without the pressure of buying gifts for multiple people or keeping up appearances, Thriftmas becomes a way of being intentional with Christmas purchases; its about choosing comfort, sustainability, and simplicity over excess, especially during a season that often encourages overspending.
There’s also an emotional benefit to Thriftmas that often gets overlooked. Choosing second-hand and low-cost options removes a lot of the pressure to perform Christmas in a certain way. It gives you permission to opt out of comparison, reduce waste, and focus on what actually makes you feel comfortable and calm during the season.
Pre-Loved Festive Decor And Novelty Items
Decor is one of the easiest places to start especially if you are not used to thrifting. Thrift stores are full of Christmas items that have barely been used in the run up to Christmas. You’ll find anything from baubles, ornaments, candle holders, and table runners to mugs, fairy lights, small artificial trees, wreaths and novelty festive items in thrift stores.
You’ll be able to create a lovely festive setup for a fraction of the price, without feeling guilty about buying things you’ll only use once a year. I’d recommend starting your thrifting in October and November (or even earlier) to find the best items.
If you enjoy being creative, Thriftmas can tie in nicely with DIY decor. A second-hand frame becomes a festive print. A plain candle holder becomes seasonal with ribbon or greenery. Old jars become tea-light holders. You don’t need craft skills — just a willingness to see items for what they could be, not just what they are.
Thrifted Sweaters And Cozy Items
Clothing is another area where Thriftmas works beautifully. Instead of buying something new just for the sake of it, a thrifted Christmas sweater, cosy cardigan, scarf, or pair of pyjamas can feel just as festive, if not more so. When you’re on your own, comfort matters far more than wearing something “appropriate” for a gathering you’re not attending.
Affordable Christmas Gifts And Secondhand Books For Yourself
Thrift stores can be a treasure for small self-gifts. Books, puzzles, journals, mugs, candles, and homeware are usually really easy to find second-hand and still feel special. You could also look for a pretty handbag, nice jewellery or other accessories. I’ve found so many lovely lightly used items in thrift stores for a fraction of their retail price. Wrapping a thrifted find for yourself can feel surprisingly joyful, especially when you know it’s something you’ll actually use long after Christmas is over.
Thriftmas Is About Treating Yourself For Less
It’s a way of saying that Christmas doesn’t need to be shiny, expensive, or new to be meaningful. Especially when you’re spending the holidays alone, it can help shift the focus away from what’s missing and towards what feels quietly satisfying and sustainable.
If you come away from Thriftmas with a warmer home, a few thoughtful finds, and less financial stress in January, you’ve done it right.
Quick Thriftmas Tips
- Go to a variety of thrift stores
- Thrift stores in affluent areas of town can be a gold mine
- Smaller thrift stores also sometimes have the best items so don’t overlook them
- Rummage thrift stores on more than one occasion in the run up to Christmas
- Always check items properly before buying them
Gifts To Yourself: Little Splurges That Won’t Break The Bank
Let’s get one thing clear straight away. You do not have to earn Christmas gifts. You don’t need to justify them by being productive, positive, grateful, or “coping well”. If you’re spending Christmas alone, buying yourself a gift or two isn’t self-indulgent or sad, it’s an important form of self-care. Give yourself permission to treat yourself.
When there’s no one else buying you presents or filling a stocking, it can feel like yet another reminder of being on your own. Seeing everyone else’s Christmas trees full of presents will also make you feel totally unloved and not good enough. Creating a few small gifts for yourself really does help soften that gap and turn it into something intentional, rather than something you are quietly having to endure.
I’ve learned the hard way over the years that buying myself at least one or two gifts can really help take the edge off those feelings. It’s a simple way of turning the lack of presents from other people into something positive that “I can buy myself things I really want instead”.
One simple idea is to put together a small gift bag or stocking for yourself. It doesn’t need to be expensive or overdone. A few thoughtful items you’ll actually use can make Christmas morning feel more complete, even if you’re opening them alone and already know what they are. Wrap them if you want, or just tuck them away until Christmas Eve or Christmas Day so they still feel like a surprise.
Treat Yourself To Low-Cost Self-Care Gifts
Think cosy socks, a nice candle, bath products, skincare like face masks, a new mug, a book you’ve been wanting to read, a journal, or something small that will make your everyday routine feel nicer. These kinds of gifts generally have staying power, they don’t disappear once Christmas is over.
Treat Yourself To Something More Extravagant
If your budget allows, you might also choose a bigger treat for yourself. This isn’t about going overboard or compensating for being alone but rather choosing something meaningful. That might be a quality item you’ve been putting off buying, a piece of clothing you’ll wear all winter, or something that supports your wellbeing in the months ahead. One intentional “bigger” gift often feels better than lots of small impulse buys.
Give Yourself The Gift Of Fun Solo Experiences
Experience gifts can be just as powerful as physical ones, especially when you’re spending the holidays solo. A solo brunch date at a nice restaurant between Christmas and New Year, a visit to a Christmas market or show, a cinema trip, museum visit, or winter activity you’ve been curious about.
Or you could also gift yourself something to look forward to in January like a class, workshop, or experience that will give you a sense of momentum once the holidays pass. Giving yourself things to look forward to in the New Year will help you get through the Christmas period.
What matters most is that whatever gifts you choose, they are intention and not forced. They don’t need to look impressive or be Instagram-worthy. They just need to feel kind, and be things you really want. Buying yourself a gift or several at Christmas isn’t about filling a void, it’s about acknowledging yourself and making the season feel a little warmer on your own terms.
Solo Christmas Self-Gifting Tip
If you know well in advance that you’ll probably be spending Christmas alone, start buying yourself gifts earlier in the year, wrap them and hide them away. That way you’ll actually have genuine surprises on Christmas morning because you will have completely forgotten that you bought yourself the items.
Christmas Movie Marathon
If you’re looking for simple, realistic Christmas alone ideas that don’t require lots of effort or money, starting with movies is an easy place to begin.
A Christmas movie marathon is one of the easiest ways to make the season feel festive when you’re on your own. It’s comforting, low-effort, and completely flexible. You can watch one film or five, start early or save it for the evening, and stop whenever you’ve had enough.
If you’re planning a movie day or evening, it helps to choose films by vibe rather than scrolling endlessly and feeling overwhelmed.
For a cosy and nostalgic mood, lean into films that feel familiar and comforting, the ones you’ve seen before and don’t need to concentrate too hard on. These are perfect for background watching while journaling, knitting, or just resting.
If you’re in the mood for something lighter, romantic Christmas comedies can be a gentle escape, even when you’re single. Watching them on your own removes the pressure to feel a certain way about them. They can just be fun, festive, and easy.
British Christmas classics are a comforting choice if you’re British and craving something familiar or if you are dreaming of exploring England. They often lean more nostalgic than glossy and can feel grounding, especially if you’re far from home, celebrating in a different country or wanting to experience other cultures and traditions.
If you want something a bit more cinematic, snowy adventure films can be a great option. Think winter landscapes, travel, and stories that aren’t entirely centred on romance. These work well if you want Christmas vibes without constant reminders of couple-focused storylines.
Once you’ve picked your films, a few small touches can turn watching movies into an actual Christmas ritual rather than just another night on the sofa.
Make Your Movie Marathon Feel Special
- Use warm lighting instead of overhead lights
- Set up themed snacks or a festive drink
- Wear your cosiest Christmas pyjamas or loungewear
- Create a comfort corner with blankets and cushions
- Put your phone away to stay present
You don’t need everything on the list — one or two of these is enough to shift the mood.
If you’re keeping things budget-friendly, there are plenty of free or affordable streaming options. Many platforms have Christmas films included in standard subscriptions, and free streaming apps usually rotate festive titles throughout December. You can also check TV schedules around Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, when seasonal films are often aired for free. Public libraries also often offer free streaming services.
Watching Christmas films alone doesn’t have to feel like a substitute for something else. It can be its own tradition, one that’s comforting, predictable, and entirely on your terms.
If you want some specific movie recommendations, check out my list of the best Christmas movies to watch alone.
Affordable Self-Care Ideas For Christmas
Self-care at Christmas doesn’t need to be elaborate, expensive, or Instagram-worthy to be effective. When you’re spending the holidays alone, the most helpful kind of self-care is often the quiet, repetitive, comforting stuff — the things that calm your nervous system and make the days feel a little softer.
Festive self-care can start with simple sensory comforts. Skincare you already own, a scented candle, a cosy bath or shower, clean pyjamas, and fresh bedding can completely change how your evenings feel. You don’t need a full routine — just one or two small rituals you return to each day.
Make Indulgent Hot Drinks At Home
Hot drinks are another underrated form of Christmas self-care. A hot chocolate, mulled wine, or festive tea enjoyed slowly while watching your favourite film can become a grounding moment rather than just something you consume in passing. Sitting down with it, without scrolling, even for ten minutes, helps create a pause in days that can otherwise blur together.
Christmas Time Journaling
Journaling can be especially helpful at this time of year, particularly if you’re carrying mixed emotions. You might reflect on what this year took from you and what it gave you. What you’re proud of surviving. What you want more of next year. Or simply write freely without any structure at all. There’s no right way to do it — the act of getting thoughts out of your head is often enough.
If loneliness feels heavier during the holidays, small mental-health-focused habits can help take the edge off. Limiting social media, especially on Christmas Day. Getting outside for daylight, even briefly. Keeping a familiar routine around meals and sleep. Reaching out to one safe person, even if it’s just a short message. None of these fix everything, but together they can make the season feel more manageable.
You could also create a small “holiday pep talk” box for yourself. This could include notes you’ve written to yourself, comforting quotes, reminders of things you’ve got through before, photos, affirmations, or even a list of reasons you’re allowed to rest this Christmas. You can dip into it whenever the day feels heavy or quiet in a way that doesn’t feel good.
Self-care at Christmas isn’t about fixing your feelings or pretending everything is fine. It’s about meeting yourself where you are, with patience and kindness, and giving yourself permission to move through the season at your own pace.
If you want more ideas like this, I’ve shared a full Christmas self-care guide with gentle, realistic ways to look after yourself throughout the holiday season, especially when you’re on your own.
Christmas Crafting And Getting Creative
Getting creative at Christmas can be surprisingly grounding, especially when you’re spending the holidays alone. Creative activities give your hands something to do and your mind somewhere gentle to rest, which can be incredibly helpful when emotions feel close to the surface. This isn’t about being artistic or producing anything impressive. Christmas crafting works best when it’s treated as something soothing rather than something to perfect.
Low-effort creative activities are a great place to start. Colour-by-numbers or paint-by-numbers kits remove the pressure of deciding what to create and let you simply follow along. Adult colouring can be just as calming, especially with nice alcohol markers, pencils, or chalks that feel good to use. These are easy to pick up and put down, and they work well alongside music, films, or quiet evenings in.
Making Christmas cards can also be a meaningful solo activity, even if you’re only making one or two. They don’t have to be elaborate or sent anywhere. Creating something by hand can feel grounding in a season that often feels rushed and digital.
If you enjoy baking, simple Christmas biscuits or cookies can double as both a creative outlet and a comforting ritual. Decorating them slowly, without worrying about how they look, can be far more enjoyable than baking for an audience. You can eat them yourself, freeze them, or gift them later if you want to — but there’s no obligation.
Slower crafts like Christmas cross stitch, embroidery, knitting, or crochet are especially soothing if you’re prone to anxiety or overthinking. They’re repetitive, tactile, and easy to return to over several evenings. Even working on something small can create a sense of continuity through the holiday period.
Make Your Own Decorations
Homemade decorations are another gentle way to combine creativity and festivity. Paper ornaments, garlands, wreaths, or simple DIY decorations made from thrifted or low-cost materials can add warmth to your space without spending much money. Imperfect, handmade items often feel more comforting than store-bought ones.
If you want something a little more structured, a Christmas crafting workshop or class can be a lovely option. Many libraries, community centres, and independent studios run seasonal sessions in December, and attending alone is completely normal. Online workshops are also an option if you prefer to stay home while still feeling guided and connected.
Creative time doesn’t have to fill a whole day. Even twenty minutes can be enough to shift your mood, quiet your thoughts, and make the season feel less heavy. Christmas crafting isn’t about staying busy, it’s about giving yourself a softer place to land during the holidays.
Cozy Christmas Crafting Ideas
Choose just one activity that feels appealing. You don’t need to turn Christmas into a crafting marathon for it to count
- Colour-by-numbers or paint-by-numbers
- Adult colouring with alcohol markers, pencils, or chalks
- Make simple Christmas cards
- Bake and decorate Christmas biscuits or cookies
- Start a small Christmas cross stitch or embroidery piece
- Create homemade decoration using thrifted materials
- Make a Christmas wreath or floral arrangement
- Customize a piece of clothing or an accessory
- Make a new piece of jewelry
- Join a Christmas crafting workshop or online class
Solo Festive Dates To Enjoy This Season
Spending the holidays solo doesn’t mean that you have to skip all of the magic of the season. Solo festive dates are a chance to slow down, savor the season, build your self-confidence and treat yourself with the same care you’d give someone else. Whether you’re recharging or romanticizing your own life, here are 10 joyful ideas to inspire you:
1. Christmas Lights Spotting With An Indulgent Hot Chocolate
Wrap yourself in a warm scarf, grab a to-go hot drink, and wander your favorite local streets or parks to admire holiday lights. Take photos, pause to soak it in, and let it be your own gentle winter ritual.
2. Christmas Market Or Craft Fair Stroll
Wander through a holiday market solo, taking your time to browse handmade gifts, sample festive treats, and listen to live music. You get to linger wherever you like, without needing to rush.
3. A Cozy Night In And A Holiday Movie
Choose a holiday film that makes you feel good; something nostalgic, heartwarming, or hilariously bad. Throw on some fairy lights, turn off your main lights, grab a soft blanket, and enjoy it with festive snacks and a homemade festive drink.
4. Go See A Holiday Movie In Theatres
Treat yourself to a solo cinema night for one of the season’s big Christmas releases. It’s the perfect excuse for buttery popcorn, a big screen, and no sharing your candy.
5. Festive Event, No Plus-One Needed
From tree lighting ceremonies and choir concerts to theatre shows and festive garden light shows, don’t skip the holiday events just because you’re going alone. Being part of the crowd can be a reminder that joy is still communal.
6. Holiday Cafe And Book Combo
Find a cozy, decorated cafe, order the most festive drink on the menu, and bring a book (or journal) to sink into. Bonus points if you grab a seasonal pastry or treat too.
7. DIY Spa Night With Holiday Scents
The holidays are a perfect time for a long soak and some extra skincare. Turn your bathroom into a winter wellness retreat with festive bath salts, scented candles, and relaxing music.
8. Festive Photo Walk
Head out with your camera or phone and capture winter scenes, twinkle-lit storefronts, or cozy nooks. It’s a peaceful way to connect with the beauty around you and embrace the season creatively.
9. Go Christmas Window Shopping
Browse decorated shops, bookstores, or holiday displays without any pressure to buy. Soak in the atmosphere, take mental notes for future gifts, and maybe treat yourself to something — just because.
10. Make A One-Person Holiday Feast
Cook or bake something festive just for you, whether it’s a full roast dinner or a batch of Christmas cookies. Put on a playlist, pour something sparkly, and enjoy the fact that you can eat it all in your pajamas.
Be A Tourist In Your City At Christmas Time
One of the easiest ways to make Christmas feel special when you’re on your own is to step out of your usual routine and see your city through fresh eyes. You don’t need to travel far, book anything big, or spend much money. Simply shifting into “tourist mode” can make the season feel lighter and more intentional.
It’s easy to forget that your town or city offers novelty, beauty, and quiet moments of magic, especially at Christmas time. Festive lights, seasonal displays, pop-up markets, window decorations, special events, free museums, galleries, parks, waterfronts, and neighbourhood walks all give your local neighbourhoods a different feel during the holidays. Experiencing them alone means you can move at your own pace, linger where you want, and leave when you’ve had enough.
Being a tourist in your own city also removes a lot of pressure. You’re not meeting anyone’s expectations. You’re not rushing between plans. You don’t need to coordinate schedules or justify why you’re doing something. You can go out for an hour and come home, or spend an entire day exploring or you can change your mind halfway through. Everything is optional when you are on your own. Enjoy the freedom it gives you.
Visit Local Places You Rarely Go To
Christmas is a great time to do the kinds of things that often get overlooked the rest of the year. Visiting a museum or gallery you’ve been meaning to see. Walking through neighbourhoods known for lights or decorations that you never explore. Sitting in a cosy café you’ve never been to with a hot drink and people-watching. Exploring a local market, bookstore, or independent shop. These small outings can give structure to the holiday period without filling every day.
If being out in busy spaces feels overwhelming, choose quieter times of day. Early mornings, weekday afternoons, or evenings just after sunset often strike a good balance between festive atmosphere and breathing room. Even a short walk to see some Christmas lights or pretty decorations can be enough to lift your mood and break up long days at home.
You don’t need to document everything or turn it into a full itinerary. This isn’t about “making the most” of Christmas in a performative way. It’s about taking time to enjoy where you live, even briefly, and letting the season meet you gently rather than overwhelm you. On days when you are feeling really down, just going and treating yourself to a hot drink is an easy way to lift your spirits a little.
Being a tourist in your own city can also help shift Christmas away from what’s missing for you and toward what’s available. You’re not waiting for an invitation. You’re not stuck at home unless you want to be. You’re not missing out on festive activities unless you choose to. All of this can make the holidays feel less heavy and more grounded.
Festive Community Events & Activities
Spending Christmas alone doesn’t mean you have to isolate yourself completely, but it also doesn’t mean you need to force connection if you’re not in the headspace for it. Festive events and activities in your local communities can offer a gentle middle ground. They allow you to be around people without the pressure to perform, socialise, or explain your situation.
One of the biggest benefits of going to community events like craft markets and light displays is that they’re designed for people to come and go. You can stay for ten minutes or two hours. You can observe, wander, listen, and leave whenever you want. Attending alone is also completely normal, especially during the holidays, and far more people do it than you might expect.
You Don’t Have To Spend Loads Of Money To Do Fun Things
There are plenty of free or low-cost festive options that can help break up the holiday period without adding financial stress. Christmas markets are great because even a quick walk through for lights, music, and a warm drink can feel festive without committing to a full outing. Carol services are another good option, even if you’re not religious. Many are open to everyone and focus more on music, reflection, and community than belief.
Community meals can also be worth looking into. Some are specifically designed for people who are alone over the holidays, while others are simply open, welcoming spaces with shared food. There’s no obligation to stay long or make conversation, just being in a room with others can be grounding during a time that often feels isolating.
Outdoor light displays and decorated neighbourhoods are my personal favourite activity for times when you want something festive without any social interaction required. You can go at your own pace, wear headphones if you like, and leave as soon as you’ve had enough. Many cities also offer free museum days or holiday programming during December, which can be a calm and enriching way to spend an afternoon.
If you’re not sure what’s happening where you live, local resources are your best friend. Check community centre noticeboards, library websites, city event listings, and local Facebook groups. Meetup often has holiday walks, coffee meetups, or low-key gatherings specifically aimed at people attending alone. Even if you don’t end up going, browsing events will just remind you that options exist.
The key thing to remember is that any connections you opt for don’t have to be intense or personal to be meaningful. Standing in a crowd listening to music. Sharing a meal in a room full of strangers. Walking through lights alongside other people doing the same thing. All of it counts.
You’re allowed to engage with the season in ways that feel safe, comfortable, and optional. Community doesn’t mean commitment, sometimes it just means being around life as it quietly carries on.
Festive Meals For One
Food can be one of the trickiest parts of spending Christmas alone. There’s an expectation that Christmas dinner has to be big, elaborate, and shared, which can make cooking for one feel pointless or overwhelming. But a solo festive meal doesn’t need to be complicated, expensive, or time-consuming to feel special.
When you’re on your own, the goal is comfort and ease, not perfection. A Christmas meal for one can be ready-made but elevated, home-cooked without stress, or spread out over the day rather than served as one big sit-down dinner.
If cooking feels like too much, ready-made options or take out are both completely valid options. For example, a decent supermarket main with a couple of extra sides you enjoy can feel festive. Adding one fresh element like roasted veg, a nicer gravy, or a favourite dessert, can elevate it enough to feel intentional rather than a compromise.
Slow cooker meals are another great option, especially if you want something warm and comforting without standing over the stove. A small joint, a vegetarian roast, or a cosy winter stew can cook away while you relax, watch films, or head out for a walk.
If you prefer minimal washing up, one-pan or sheet-pan roasts are ideal. Protein, veg, and potatoes all cooked together keep things simple while still delivering a nice Christmas dinner.
Low-Effort Festive Meal Options
- Ready-made meals you can enhance with extra sides or a nice gravy
- A small joint, veggie roast or a cosy stew in a slow cooker
- A simple sheet-pan roast (just protein, veg and potatoes)
Indulgent Christmas Desserts For One
Desserts don’t need to be overthought either. Individual puddings, a slice of cake, chocolate, mince pies, or a dessert you genuinely love are more than enough. There’s no rule that says dessert has to be traditional — it just has to make you happy.
A Simple Christmas Dinner For One
To keep things practical, here’s a simple example of what a budget Christmas dinner grocery list for one might look like:
- Protein of choice (small roast, veggie option, or ready-made main)
- Potatoes and/or roast veg mix
- One or two extra festive sides that you enjoy
- Gravy or sauce
- Dessert for one
- Something cosy to drink afterwards (hot chocolate, mulled-style drink, or tea)
Pick what matters most to you and skip the rest.
Simple Christmas Menus For One
If it helps to see it laid out, here are a few sample solo Christmas menus you can mix and match.
Menu idea 1 – Low-effort and cosy
- Ready-made main
- Roasted potatoes and/or veg
- Gravy
- Mince pie or dessert pot
Menu idea 2 – Comfort-focused
- Slow cooker roast or stew
- Mash or roast veg
- Bread or Yorkshire pudding
- Chocolate or festive pudding
Menu idea 3 – Minimal cooking
- Air fryer roast or traybake
- One favourite side
- Dessert you love
- Festive drink
You can also spread your meal across the day rather than centring everything around one sitting. A cosy breakfast, a main meal mid-afternoon, and snacks or dessert later can feel far more relaxed when you’re on your own. If Christmas Eve feels important to you, you could have a smaller festive meal the night before.
Christmas food for one just needs to feel comforting, manageable, and kind to yourself, and that’s more than enough.
A Gentle Christmas Eve When You’re Spending It Alone
If you’re unsure what to do on Christmas Eve alone, the key is to keep the evening quiet, low-pressure, and focused on comfort rather than expectation.
Christmas Eve can actually be harder than Christmas Day. There’s anticipation, more noise online, and more reminders of what other people are doing. When you’re on your own, the evening can feel long, quiet, or emotionally heavy if it isn’t approached with intention.
Firstly, Christmas Eve doesn’t need to be busy, social, or perfectly festive to feel meaningful. In fact, a relaxing, low-pressure evening often works best when you’re spending it alone.
One of the simplest ways to approach Christmas Eve is to treat it as a wind-down rather than a build-up. A calm evening helps regulate your nervous system and sets the tone for a softer Christmas Day. That might mean staying in, putting your phone down earlier than usual, and focusing on comfort rather than distraction.
Low-Key Christmas Eve Activities
Here are a few ideas for things to do alone on Christmas Eve that don’t require energy, money, or emotional performance.
You could start with a cosy meal or your favourite takeaway that will feel like a treat without much effort.
A warm bath or shower, especially if Christmas emotions are already bubbling up, can be grounding. Fresh pyjamas, clean bedding, and a little reset of your space can make a big difference to how the night, and the next day, feels.
Christmas Eve is a lovely time for reflection. Journaling about the year you’ve had, what you’re proud of surviving, what you want to carry forward, what you want to do in the year ahead can help you process emotions that tend to surface during the holidays. If writing feels like too much, sitting quietly with music or a familiar film is more than enough.
Creating a small Christmas Eve ritual can help the night feel complete rather than like something you’re just waiting to get through. This could be lighting a candle, opening one small gift to yourself, setting out something nice for the morning, or watching a film you always associate with Christmas.
Create A Christmas Eve Box
You could also create a Christmas Eve box for something to look forward to. It can be a comforting way to structure the evening. I’ve shared a full guide on how to make a Christmas Eve box for yourself, with low-cost, cosy ideas that work especially well when you’re spending the holidays alone.
Most importantly, go to bed early if that feels right. You don’t have to stay up until midnight. You don’t have to “feel festive.” either. A calm, protected Christmas Eve can make Christmas Day feel far less overwhelming. And if you want to boycott Christmas Eve festivities, that’s OK too.
A Cozy Christmas Day Schedule Alone
One of the hardest parts of spending Christmas day alone is the quiet and the empty space. When the day has no structure at all and no one to share it with, it can quickly amplify anxiety, loneliness, and overthinking. So having a loose Christmas Day schedule can make a big difference. It’s been my way of getting through the day for years because it gives you things to focus on other than being alone.
You don’t need to schedule every hour, in fact I’d recommend against that. Just give the day a gentle rhythm of activities so you’re not constantly deciding what to do next. It will stop the day from feeling completely empty, depressing or overwhelming.
A slow morning, a long walk, a film or two, a favourite TV show, or a book in the afternoon, and an early night can feel far more supportive than trying to fill the day with loads of activities.
Pick-And-Mix Solo Christmas Schedules .
If you’re looking for a Christmas day schedule alone, these simple routines will give your day structure without making it feel forced. Think of them like menus. You can follow loosely, skip parts, or mix and match depending on how you feel.
A Cozy Slow Day
If you’re emotionally tired or just need Christmas Day to be calm, relaxed, and restorative.
Christmas Day Morning
- Wake up without an alarm
- Put on cosy clothes or Christmas pyjamas
- Make a warm drink
- Open any gifts you bought for yourself
Late morning
- Watch a Christmas film or listen to festive music
- Journal, read, or simply rest
Afternoon
- Eat a simple, nourishing meal
- Go for a short walk
Evening
- Light dinner or leftovers
- Early night with a book, film, or quiet activity
Productivity And Rest
If you will feel better with a bit of movement or purpose built into the day.
Morning
- Get up, shower, and get dressed
- Make breakfast and a warm drink
Late morning
- Do a low-pressure activity such as journaling, next year planning, or researching for future travels
- Watch something light in the background
Afternoon
- Eat your main meal
- Go for a longer walk or explore your neighbourhood
Evening
- Relax with a film or TV series
- Go to bed early with a book to wind down.
Full Festive Vibes
If you enjoy leaning into the season and want Christmas to feel like a proper event, this version gives Christmas a more traditional feel on your own terms.
Morning
- Put on Christmas music when you wake up
- Take a shower with a festive scent, and put on Christmas Pyjamas or a Christmas jumper and cozy Christmas socks
- Make a festive breakfast
- Open any gifts that you bought for yourself
Afternoon
- Go out for a short walk in the neighbourhood to see lights or house decorations
- Prepare and eat a festive meal
- Watch a classic Christmas film
Evening
- Dessert and a cosy hot drink
- Watch another Christmas film or festive TV or read a Christmas book
Whatever you decide to do, remember that this is your day. A Christmas day schedule alone isn’t about doing Christmas “properly” it’s just about giving yourself something to lean on if the day feels long or emotionally hard. You can do less than planned or scrap the schedule entirely, it’s purely a tool to support yourself through it.
Christmas Alone Can Be Meaningful, Cozy, And Stress-Free.
Spending Christmas alone doesn’t have to be something you just get through. It can be something you soften into, reshape, and even come to appreciate. When you let go of what Christmas is “supposed” to look like, you create space for something more honest — a version of the holiday that meets you where you are, not where you think you should be.
A solo Christmas can be quiet without being empty. Simple without being sad. Festive without being overwhelming. Whether that means decorating your space a little, cooking a meal just for yourself, watching your favourite films, going for a winter walk, or doing absolutely nothing at all, it all counts. There’s no right way to spend the day, only the way that feels most supportive to you.
If this year looks different from the Christmases you imagined, that doesn’t mean it’s less meaningful. Sometimes it’s just different — and different seasons ask for different traditions. You’re allowed to rest. You’re allowed to opt out. You’re allowed to make Christmas gentle, affordable, and deeply personal.
And if you’re spending Christmas alone this year, know this. You’re not strange, broken, or behind. You’re simply navigating life as it is right now. With a little intention, a bit of cosy planning, and plenty of self-compassion, Christmas alone can still hold warmth, comfort, and moments that feel quietly magical.
Read More About Christmas Time
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- How To Make A Christmas Eve Box For Yourself And Enjoy A Cozy Solo Christmas
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Gemma Lawrence is a British expat, solo female travel blogger, and the creator of This Brit’s Life — a travel and lifestyle blog that helps women explore the world confidently, live abroad independently, and stay informed about global issues.
Born and raised in England, Gemma has been living in British Columbia, Canada since 2016 and has been traveling solo for over a decade. With a background in journalism and over ten years of experience in digital marketing and communications — including leadership roles with the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC/BC) — she brings both storytelling and strategy to her writing.
Through her posts, Gemma shares practical solo travel advice, expat insights, and confidence-building resources, while also covering broader topics like women’s rights, democracy, and self-care. Her goal is to inspire independence, awareness, and personal growth — one adventure at a time
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