Holiday Cheer—on Your Own

Being far from home and family can be difficult at Christmastime, but with thought and prayer you can make this time meaningful. To make holidays away from home special, plan to do things with others, for others, and for yourself.

Invite people over. Whenever you feel alone, look around. There may be others in a similar situation. When my husband was in the army, we invited people from his platoon for dinner in groups of two and three. Check your office, school, neighborhood, or ward for others who may be alone or lonely, and invite them to a potluck dinner or a cookie bake night.

Doing something for others is a great way to forget your loneliness. There are numerous organizations that can use a helping hand during the holidays. Consider homeless shelters, Sub-for-Santa programs, private or military community service groups, or hospitals. You can pack food baskets, repair and wrap toys, or deliver items to needy families. Perhaps you and your group of friends would like to help a needy family on your own. You could also write letters home or to family members. If you are missing your family, they are probably missing you. Write to missionaries too. Cheering up others is a great way to cheer up yourself.

Stay busy. Start or catch up on your journal or photo album. Write about your Christmas or other holiday memories. Begin a holiday album with memories, photos from past years, cards, recipes, and stories. Bake cookies for neighbors.

Keeping things in perspective is especially important. Pray for peace of mind, and keep the meaning of the holiday in your heart.—Paula J. Lewis, Blanding, Utah