The holiday season is often depicted as a time of joy, togetherness, and shared traditions. However, not everyone’s experience during this time is the same. While many people look forward to spending Christmas with family and loved ones, the demands of social gatherings, gift buying, travel, and disruptions to routines can sometimes be overwhelming. In a recent survey conducted by the Solitude Lab, it was found that while most respondents planned to celebrate with family, there was also a desire for moments of calm and relaxation amidst the festive chaos.
Research from the Solitude Lab has shown that spending as little as 15 minutes alone can help regulate heightened emotions and reduce stress. Participants in lab experiments reported feeling calmer and more centered after a brief period of solitude, whether it was spent browsing on their phone, reading, or simply reflecting. These short moments of solitude can serve as a counterbalance to the busyness of the holiday season, allowing individuals to reset and recharge before rejoining the festivities.
For some individuals, spending Christmas alone is a choice rather than a necessity. About 9 percent of adults surveyed said they expected to spend Christmas day on their own, citing a desire for calm and rest during the holiday season. While loneliness and boredom were mentioned less frequently, older adults who found themselves alone often expressed these feelings due to circumstances beyond their control.
The shift towards embracing solitude, especially after the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, has led more people to see time alone as a valuable opportunity for reflection and self-care. Whether it’s taking a quiet walk in the park, engaging in introspective activities, or reaching out to others through small gestures like writing cards or having brief conversations with strangers, solitude can be a enriching and restorative experience.
Whether you’re surrounded by loved ones or spending Christmas alone, embracing solitude during the holiday season can provide a much-needed space for self-reflection and relaxation. It’s not about choosing isolation over connection, but rather finding a balance between the two to navigate the demands of the season with ease.
Thuy-vy Nguyen is the principal investigator of the Solitude Lab and co-author of Solitude: The science and power of being alone.
