10 Merry Ways for Older Adults to Celebrate Christmas Alone
Christmas is the time when we all gather together with our families and make those oh-so-important memories that’ll carry us into the new year. But sadly, that’s not what Christmas morning looks like for everyone. According to AMFM, a nonprofit mental health organization, almost 14 million people spent Christmas morning alone in 2025. We have to imagine that a large portion of older adults were among that number. If this holiday season is shaping up to be as lonely as the last one, you have our sympathies. But the good news? Your Christmas can still be merry and bright, even if you won’t be sharing it with your loved ones! Here are a few tips on making your solo holiday a happy one.
1. Do something meaningful.
Just because you’re spending Christmas alone doesn’t mean you have to be alone! You could always bake cookies for your neighbors and drop them off on their porch. Or you can go for a walk in your local park on Christmas. And don’t forget about volunteer work! Check food banks, churches, animal shelters, and other charities to see if they have any Christmas morning volunteer opportunities.
2. Go to the movies.
Most movie theaters are open on Christmas Day. So, if you don’t want to be alone in your house on the world’s biggest holiday, swing by your local theater and enjoy some good, old-fashioned escapism. If you don’t mind splurging, get some popcorn and snacks to make it an extra festive affair. Maybe movie theaters and their sticky floors aren’t really your thing. In that case, you can still enjoy a good flick from the comfort of your own living room, popcorn and all. Senior Resource actually has some holiday movie recommendations for you!
3. Go out to eat at a restaurant.
Maybe cooking a Christmas dinner for one will only remind you that you aren’t sharing it with anyone. Or maybe you just don’t want to spend the holiday making a meal. If you don’t feel up to cooking on Christmas morning, go out to a restaurant and enjoy a nice meal prepared by someone else. If you know a friend who’s in a similar situation, invite them to come with you!
4. Enjoy some self-care.
Self-care is important, but we tend to neglect it when we feel sad and lonely. That’s actually the perfect time to pamper yourself!Run a bubble bath and let the warm, soapy water wash your cares away. Listen to music that lifts your spirits. Do some light stretching or take a nap. You can also gift yourself a nice self-care kit, like this one from Amazon.
5. Clean and declutter your house.
Cleaning might not sound like the most festive way to spend Christmas. But decluttering your environment can improve your mental health and your self-esteem! So, if the junk and dust bunnies have joined forces to take over your living space, grab some yellow gloves and start fighting back. Don’t take on too much at once! Instead, start with a small project, like reorganizing a cluttered drawer or reducing that pesky junk mail pile. If you feel up to it, take on bigger tasks. Mop your floors or get rid of old clothes claiming way too much space in your closet. You can even turn on some Christmas music to make your cleaning session a little more festive!
6. Read some good books.
If you’re going to be alone this Christmas and have a house full of books, you won’t have to be alone at all! Grab a new book (or an old favorite), settle in a comfy chair, and start losing yourself between the pages. Better yet, read a Christmas book! Some of our recommendations are:
- A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss
- Skipping Christmas by John Grisham
- The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson
- Hercule Poirot’s Christmas by Agatha Christie
- The Christmas Box by Richard Paul Evans
7. Call or FaceTime your loved ones.
Technology has taken over our lives, sometimes for the worse and sometimes for the better. Case in point: you can still connect with your long-distance relatives on Christmas morning. If possible, FaceTime your relatives during Christmas! You could even open gifts or do a shared holiday activity while you’re on a call together. While technology can’t replace face-to-face interaction, it can still help fill a void in your heart and make your Christmas a little more memorable.
8. Go for a long walk.
Whether you live in a city or a more rural area, some nice, fresh air can go a long way in improving your mood on Christmas morning. So, if the weather is okay, put on some walking shoes and hit the nearest trail or street. Older adults who live in the city can make their walk extra special by admiring the window Christmas displays. Make sure to bundle up!
9. Indulge in some online shopping.
There’s nothing wrong with buying gifts for yourself. If you’ve had an item in your Amazon cart for a while, don’t be afraid to pull a Tom from Parks & Rec and treat yourself! Maybe set a budget and go on a mini shopping spree.
10. Stay off social media.
Most people use social media as their diary, documenting events both big and small. And because we know how social media goes, there’s a good chance your online friends will share all about their Christmas mornings with their family. Since that could trigger you, schedule a social media detox for Christmas Day. Stay off your phone and computer and don’t succumb to the temptation to peer into other people’s lives. Stay in your bubble and enjoy yourself. You’ll have a much merrier Christmas that way!
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Originally published December 20, 2024
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