Surviving the Holidays

🎄 Feeling like the holidays are just a Hallmark movie you didn’t audition for?
 Single? Alone? Or just avoiding awkward family drama? You’re not alone.

Join me, Mary, as I talk about surviving the holidays—without losing your mind, your wallet, or your sanity. We’ll laugh at Hallmark fails, celebrate Die Hard moments, and maybe even find ways to help someone else this season.

This holiday, it’s not about perfection—it’s about surviving, thriving, and a little bit of gratitude.

💡 Got a quirky or meaningful holiday tradition as a single person? I want to hear it!

If this message landed with you, send it to someone who may need a little holiday comfort today.  And if you’re new here — welcome. Follow along for more gentle conversations through the season.
 We’re in this together. 💛

Transcript

Hi, it’s Mary! Can we talk about the holidays for a minute? Is your tree up yet? Is your house all decked out like your neighbors? Shopping done, or are you still picking up a few last-minute gifts? Who’s hosting this year?

Do these questions ever make you feel… a little stressed? You’re not alone. There’s so much expectation around Christmas and New Year’s, and if you’re single, it can sometimes feel like you’re on the outside looking in.

I’ve always found Christmas a bit… awkward. Maybe it’s the pressure. Maybe it’s the Hallmark movies. You know the ones: city girl meets a handsome local guy, runs into some family drama, and by the end of the movie everyone is hugging, smiling, and all is forgiven. Honestly, I can’t watch them—they just make reality feel… well, a little impossible.

Personally, I’d rather watch Die Hard. Yes, it’s not exactly Hallmark, but at least Bruce Willis saves the day, and I don’t feel like I’m failing at Christmas!  Yippie kiyaa Mother …. Well you know the rest. 

 But jokes aside, the holidays can be tough. Anxiety sometimes starts for me as early as October—what’s going to happen at Christmas? Will my expectations be met? Will I feel alone again?

Maybe that resonates with you. Maybe you’ve lost someone, or maybe you’re just single and find yourself feeling out of step with all the couples and families around you. And that’s okay. These feelings are normal, and it’s okay to acknowledge them.

 The good news is, there are ways to survive—and even thrive—through the holidays. Here are some ideas I’ve found helpful:

Embrace Singlehood and Be Kind to Yourself
Accept the fact that you are single and see the good parts of it. Yes, there are good parts. Don’t let feelings of loneliness push you into situations that don’t feel right just to “fit in.” Spend a little time reflecting, journaling, or even crying if that helps. But Be gentle with yourself.  And remember,  this I love …. you can leave the party anytime you want because you are a single!  You don’t have to wait for anyone else.  

How about Setting Realistic Expectations
Holiday dreams can be beautiful—but they’re often just that: dreams. Look for small, positive things in your life and celebrate them. Maybe it’s a favorite song, doesn’t have to be a Christmas one,  a cozy evening with a warm drink, maybe try a new one and remember to send me the recipe,  or just the quiet joy of peace and space. That’s me,  I love my quiet time.

Let’s Share the Holidays in Ways that Feel Right
You don’t have to be alone, but you also don’t have to force yourself into uncomfortable situations. Consider connecting with others who may also be on their own—start an “orphan family” tradition. I LOVE that idea. Invite friends over or plan a small gathering that feels authentic to you. Search out the single people you know. 

A big one is to Cultivate Gratitude
How about we try to focus on the life we have—truly grateful for being alive, for the people in our life, for the little things. If it works for you, how about Keeping a gratitude journal during the holidays to help remind you of what’s good and real. Keep those negative thoughts at bay with gratitude thoughts. 

I have this desire to Give Back to Others
How about you?  Maybe being single this year gives us a little extra freedom—to volunteer at a food bank, serve a Christmas dinner for the less fortunate, or just check in on someone who may be alone.  Maybe spend some time at a Long Term Care facility visiting people won’t see family.  I have found that Helping others can really shift my perspective and bring unexpected joy.

Let’s finish with Honoring Old Traditions but try something New
Rituals provide comfort, and new ones can bring excitement. So Keep what works, and let go of what doesn’t, and experiment with something that reflects your life right now.  I had a girlfriend who wasn’t close with her children and she used to rent a hotel room in downtown Toronto for Christmas.  She treated herself to room service, a relaxing soak in a jacuzzi,  movies and she was able to take in some downtown Christmas lights and excitement. What a great idea.  Remember there does not have to be rules at Christmas!  Think outside the box!

 Above all, I want you to remember: the holidays are just a few weeks. They don’t last forever, and a new year awaits with endless possibilities.

Now,  …..  I’d love to hear from you—what are your favorite holiday traditions, especially if you’re single? How do you make this season meaningful for yourself?  What are your ideas for a ‘single’ Christmas?

And, remember,  Even if things feel a little different this year, there’s always a way to find connection, joy, and gratitude—even in unexpected places. Maybe it’s through helping others, through self-care, or simply taking a quiet moment to breathe and enjoy life itself.  I have a painting calling my name and I am looking forward to working on that during the holidays. 

So, from me to you: let’s survive, maybe even thrive, this holiday season—our way, with a little laughter, a little heart, and a lot of gratitude.

If this message landed with you, send it to someone who may need a little holiday comfort today.
 And if you’re new here — welcome. Follow along for more gentle conversations through the season.
 We’re in this together. 💛

Until next time, keep walking and keep being you!   Happy Holidays!