It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Despite all of the hustle and bustle of shopping, preparing meals, baking endless amounts of cookies and attempting to make time for every single relative, the holiday season really can be a magical time. The end of the year welcomes plenty of time for reflection, and it’s great to have the chance to relax with loved ones during those beloved days off from work.

If you have kids of your own or little ones in your family, it can be exciting to see the magic of Christmas through their eyes, and if you have the time, volunteering at soup kitchens can be a great way to give back to your community during this season of giving. The holidays are exactly what you make them, and in my opinion, it’s always worth it to make the best of them! 

While Christmas is a time for many of us to gather with our families, it can also be a challenging time for those of us who can’t. If you’ve recently lost family members or don’t have the chance to travel and be close with them, I understand the feeling of dread that the holidays can bring. Over the past 5 years, I’ve only been able to see my family for one Christmas, and admittedly, I’ve shed a few tears the other 4 years.

But just because you can’t see your closest loved ones doesn’t mean that Christmas is a lost cause. The Real Simple shared a piece recently detailing some of the best ways to spend your holidays if you’re on your own, and one suggestion is to find a way to volunteer. 

Just because you can’t be close to family doesn’t mean that you can’t make a difference or that you have to be completely alone. Visit your local food bank, volunteer at an animal shelter, buy gifts for children whose families can’t afford any, and donate clothing to unhoused individuals who are out in the cold. Consider fostering a pet or pet sitting as well, if you want to keep yourself from being completely alone. Volunteering can have a profound effect on your mental health and make your Christmas much warmer.

While it may seem like everyone you know is spending time by the fireplace with their families or partners, that’s certainly not the case. Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends in your area who might be alone on Christmas as well. You could host a potluck, find a showing of a Christmas film, go look at Christmas lights or find somewhere to dine out with those who are also in need of some company. It can be a great way to bond with others, and it can be a surprisingly cozy way to spend an evening that would have otherwise been alone.

Thankfully, today’s technology also makes it much easier to be without family on Christmas. With the simple touch of a button, you can video chat with your relatives or send e-cards to your friends. And if you’re really feeling festive, don’t hesitate to write physical cards for your family members or send them packages with freshly baked cookies and small gifts to let them know you’re thinking of them. Distance doesn’t mean you can’t send some holiday cheer to loved ones.  

It can also be tempting to sulk and complain if you’re not looking forward to the holidays, but if you can manage to find even a bit of joy in them, it will be worth it. Bake your favorite cookie recipe even if you only want to eat a few, and share the rest with your neighbors. Watch your favorite feel-good holiday film, and buy that popcorn that reminds you of childhood movie nights. Take a drive to see the city’s best Christmas lights and drink hot chocolate, even if you have to do it alone. Find the little pieces of joy that you can’t have year round and embrace them. 

Just like any other time of year, it’s important to take care of your mental and physical health around Christmas. Psychologist Yvonne Thomas, PhD told Real Simple, “Make a conscious effort to get enough sleep, eat right, exercise, laugh, and get emotional support from loved ones to maintain your physical and emotional health.”

"The bottom line is...you still can find ways to broaden and add to your life and, as a consequence, grow emotionally stronger, even...when you might not be in person with your family and friends during the holidays,” Thomas added.

We hope you’re enjoying scrolling through these wholesome photos, pandas. Whether you had a warm Christmas surrounded by loved ones or you’ve had a difficult time embracing the holiday spirit this year, we hope you’re able to look forward to the new year with a positive attitude. Keep upvoting the pics that bring a smile to your face, and if you’re looking for even more precious photos from Christmas, you can find Bored Panda’s article on the same topic from last year right here!