As the holiday season approached, I found myself feeling a mix of excitement and sadness. Excitement about the traditions and joy that come with the holiday season, but sad because I knew I would be spending Christmas without my family (by choice). I was dealing with a lot at the time. And so, I took the time to think about my goals, what I was grateful for, and what I wanted to achieve in the new year.
Spending Christmas without my family was not as cool as I hoped. Growing up, Christmas was always a special time for my family. We would wake up early and spend the day together, open gifts, cook a big breakfast, and just enjoy each other's company.
While I was grateful to still be able to connect with them through phone and video calls, I tried reaching out to friends and loved ones who were also spending the holiday alone or with their families. It just wasn't the same as being with them in person, but it was still nice to connect with others and share in the holiday spirit. I received up to five invites to just go out and chill, but I wasn't sure how to cope. I just needed time away from the noise…or so I thought.
I tried to fill the void by doing things I enjoyed, like watching my favorite movies and cooking a special meal for myself. But no matter what I did, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing. I knew that the day would drag on endlessly if I just sat around feeling sorry for myself. So I decided to tackle a few tasks that I had been putting off, like cleaning out my closet and organizing my apartment. These little projects gave me a sense of accomplishment and helped take my mind off the fact that I was alone for a teeny tiny bit.
As the day went on, I realized that what I was missing was the warmth and love that comes from being with my family, especially my mum. While I had tried to fill the void with material things and activities, it was the intangible things - the hugs, the laughter, the shared memories - that I truly longed for. I badly missed my mum’s food too.
Looking back on the experience, I learned a few things about myself and the importance of family. Firstly, I learned that family is not just about blood relations - it's about the people who love and support us, no matter where they are. I got to celebrate with two neighbours, we cooked, ate, and shared a few glasses together.
Secondly, I learned that it's okay to feel sad and lonely at times and that it's important to allow ourselves to feel and process these emotions. Finally, I learned that even when we're apart, we can still find ways to connect with and show love to our loved ones.
I'm grateful for the lessons I learned from spending Christmas without my family, but it’s never happening again. I made sure to spend the new year’s celebrations with them, and I loved every bit of it. I now have a greater appreciation for the value of family and the importance of making the most of every moment we have together.
Overall, spending Christmas without my family was not as fun as I had hoped it would be. It was a reminder that while the holiday season is filled with joy and cheer, it's the people we share it with that truly make it special.