Things You Can Do To Spice Up Your Solo Holidays

This year is bound to look a lot different than most. Because of COVID, a lot of us are going to be spending the holidays on our own this year, and that’s OK. For others, they’re no stranger to spending the holidays on their own.

Either way, the idea of being on your own during the most jolly time of the year can seem like a real bummer. But there are some things that you can do to fill your time that might help you feel productive and excited about the new year.

Write Some Letters

Writing some people you care about some letters is a great way to feel connected over the holiday season. If you’re lucky, you might get some letters back! It’s just a nice little way to remind the people you love that you’re thinking about them.

someone writing letters using fancy markers and drawings
Photo Credit: Pexels / cottonbro
Photo Credit: Pexels / cottonbro

Try A New Workout Routine

I hate working out, but I know that it’s an important part of being healthy. A great way to spend some time on your own is to check out some new workout programs, whether they are through a gym or online. You might just stumble upon one you really like.

woman doing yoga on a mat
Photo Credit: Pexels / Li Sun
Photo Credit: Pexels / Li Sun

Do That Decluttering You’ve Always Wanted To Do

Having a few days at home is the right time to do some of those big cleaning jobs that you’ve been putting off, like cleaning out your closet or moving all the furniture to clean the floors. You’ll feel a huge sense of accomplishment when it’s done.

someone going through their closet
Photo Credit: Pexels / Alex Green
Photo Credit: Pexels / Alex Green

Have An At-Home Spa Day

I mean, this one should really go without saying. Bust out some bubble bath, get some face masks, and do a cuticle treatment because you deserve it. Set aside some time to celebrate who you are, especially if you have the leisure to not be worried about your time.

woman in the bath with bubbles
Photo Credit: Pexels / cottonbro
Photo Credit: Pexels / cottonbro

Try A New Hobby You’ve Been Thinking About

If you’ve been wanting to give a new hobby a try like knitting or painting, why not use this time over the holidays to give it a go? You don’t have to go all out if you aren’t sure. The dollar store will usually have great beginner supplies.

someone knitting
Photo Credit: Pexels / RF._.studio
Photo Credit: Pexels / RF._.studio

Cook A Meal You Saw On TikTok

If you’re like me, then you are OBSESSED with Tik Tok and you love all the quick and easy recipes that pop up on your page. If you’ve saved one or two, give them a try!

a woman cutting up some vegetables
Photo Credit: Pexels / Daria
Photo Credit: Pexels / Daria

Binge-Watch Something

Another great way to have some self-care is to do something that requires you to do nothing. Rewatching some of your favorite shows or movies is a good way to give your brain a rest.

someone watching their computer in bed
Photo Credit: Pexels / Vlada Karpovich
Photo Credit: Pexels / Vlada Karpovich

Read A Book Or Magazine

Reading may not be your style, and that’s OK! But if you enjoy reading from time to time, the quiet days of a holiday spent at home are a great time to dive into something juicy or romantic—or even educational.

woman sitting by a window trying to read
Photo Credit: Pexels / Thought Catalogue
Photo Credit: Pexels / Thought Catalogue

Go For A Long Walk

Going for a walk is such a great way to get out of the house, get some exercise, and even clear your head. Taking a small walk every day will do you so much good, and you can always pick a place to go, like getting your morning cup of coffee!

a woman out on a walk
Photo Credit: Pexels / Tobi
Photo Credit: Pexels / Tobi

Redecorate A Room

If you’ve got a little bit of money to spend, then you might want to start looking online for some ideas on how to redo some rooms in your home that might need a facelift, and if you’re feeling ready to commit, buy that paint and go to town!

a white room with flower curtains
Photo Credit: Pexels / Adrianna Calvo
Photo Credit: Pexels / Adrianna Calvo

Listen To Some Music

How often do we really stop what we are doing to actually listen to the music we put on? Don’t do anything else. No cleaning, no reading, no nothing other than sitting down listening to the music and the words.

someone sitting on their bed listening to a record player
Photo Credit: Pexels / RF._.studio
Photo Credit: Pexels / RF._.studio

Try A Free Online Class

There are so many free online classes out there that there is sure to be something you’re interested in that you could log in to learn about. It could be a class on how to further your career, or it could be something of personal interest.

woman on her computer
Photo Credit: Pexels / cottonbro
Photo Credit: Pexels / cottonbro

Try A New Makeup Look

How many makeup looks do you have saved on Pinterest that you’re not sure if you’re brave enough to try? Well, now is the time! Get your makeup out, try a new look, and maybe snap a few pictures.

a bunch of makeup and brushes
Photo Credit: Pexels / kinkate
Photo Credit: Pexels / kinkate

FaceTime Someone You Haven’t Talked To In A While

Being away from our loved ones doesn’t mean that we have to be separated from them! Pick up your phone and call them or video chat with them. It is the time of year where connecting with each other feels extra important.

someone FaceTiming on their phone
Photo Credit: Pexels / Anastasia Shuraeva
Photo Credit: Pexels / Anastasia Shuraeva

Do Something Nice For Someone Else

Doing something nice for someone else is a good way to make yourself feel good. That sounds selfish, you should obviously do it to help other people, but it is a good way to cheer yourself up. Volunteer at a food bank, or do some shopping for a local charity.

woman picking up garbage
Photo Credit: Pexels / Anna Shvets
Photo Credit: Pexels / Anna Shvets

Spend A Whole Day Away From Your Phone

This one might be tough, especially if you’re feeling lonely, but it could be something that is really good for you. Spending time unplugged from our phones will help us organize our thoughts and enjoy some silence.

someone leaving their phone to charge
Photo Credit: Pexels / Hasan Albari
Photo Credit: Pexels / Hasan Albari

Adopt A Pet

OK, adopting a pet isn’t something you should do on a whim because it is a commitment and it isn’t fair to adopt one and then return it. But, if you’ve been seriously considering getting a furry friend, then doing it while you’re home for the holidays is a great idea! You’ll have time to get to know one another.

a cat sleeping on the bed
Photo Credit: Pexels / Dương Nhân
Photo Credit: Pexels / Dương Nhân

Try Something That Will Exercise Your Brain

If you want to do something other than scroll through your phone while you’re watching Netflix, pick up some puzzle books or actual puzzles and work on those when you have some down time.

pieces from a puzzle
Photo Credit: Pexels / Pixabay
Photo Credit: Pexels / Pixabay

Try Making Some Lists

Lists are a great way to organize your thoughts if that’s something you want to do before the new year. Make a list of things you’re grateful for, things you want to change, and a list of things you can do to get there!

woman writing in a journal
Photo Credit: Pexels / Vlada Karpovich
Photo Credit: Pexels / Vlada Karpovich

Treat Yourself To Some Online Shopping

This is another one that you should really only do if you have the money. It is the holidays after all, so why not try and treat yourself to something you’ve had your eye on?

someone doing some online shopping
Photo Credit: Pexels / Karolina Grabowska
Photo Credit: Pexels / Karolina Grabowska