When it's holiday szn & you're not close to family

My family's in SG and so am I, but I don't have Christmas plans with them.

There's a societal emphasis on family / togetherness. And media often presents an idealized vision of what the holidays should be like.

So yes, I will admit that the sight of happy families gathering around festive meals still tugs at my heartstrings. I can't help but to detach emotionally, crack a joke, move on.

Even though it's been so many years.

Even though I tell myself I'm old enough to be over it.

Even though I have rationally "written it off" because it's the route I chose.

If you're like me, here's what you can do instead during the holiday szn:

1️⃣ 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 "𝗰𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗻" 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆

No one said that holiday celebrations have to be blood-related. Take this opportunity to honor your "chosen" family.

E.g. Friends, colleagues, your partner, even neighbors who've stood with you during highs and lows. Plan meals, host a small party, or simply share a cozy conversation over a cup of hot coffee/tea ☕️🍵 

2️⃣ 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝘀

Whether it's baking your fav festive cookies, watching holiday movies, decorating a mini-tree, or writing gratitude letters, create your own holiday rituals that bring you joy and comfort.

These personal rituals can become anchors of your holiday memories and give a sense of continuity and peacefulness.

3️⃣ 𝗟𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁 𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮

I've said it before and I'll say it again.

Personally, I try to minimize social media usage on 24/25th December & CNY days. 

Why? Bc we're often bombarded by images of 'perfect' holidays. Take a break from social media during the holiday szn to avoid unnecessary comparisons and focus on what truly matters—being present ☺️

And yes, the irony that you're seeing this on lemon8 isn't lost on me. BUT STILL 🙈

4️⃣ 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲

Self-care might look different for everyone, but as a homebody, this is what I'm looking forward to during this Christmas / year-end szn even though I'm not travelling 😌

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I'd love to know how you cope with the holiday blues if you're like me & aren't close to family. Let’s chat in the comments?

P.S. I write about home & living, relationships & career on lemon8—follow for more adulting fun 🥲 

And join me on IG @livingsmall.ig if you wanna be friends! ❤️

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Wanna read more?

📖 Dealing w/ the PRESSURE OF HOSTING during Xmas 😣

📖 5 ways to enjoy the Xmas season while SAVING MONEY

#MyPOV #HolidayGuide #GirlTalk #MyLemon8Diary #XmasGuide #ChristmasGuide #AskLemon8 #HolidayChallenge #AdultingWoes #wellness