The holidays are normally a time of year when we all take time out of our busy schedules to jump on a plane, arms filled with gifts and goodies, ready to drink and feast with our families. However, as cheery and oozing of spirit as we may be, the economy is rough. Yes, we (well, most of us) would all love to fly home and spend hundreds of dollars on crazy presents for our loved ones, but what about those of us who simply can’t make it happen this year? Whether it be because of work schedules or simply not having enough money, how can you stay home alone…in your apartment…all by yourself…and still enjoy Christmas?! Here’s how:
8am:
Roll out of bed in your pajamas and socks and head to the kitchen. **Important: DO NOT CHANGE OUT OF YOUR PAJAMAS FOR THE MAJORITY OF THE DAY!
Make yourself this simple Mini Apple Cake for breakfast as well as this Peppermint Chocolate Coffee.
9:30/10am:
Present time!!! Head to the tree and open the present you bought yourself and wrapped the night before (If you want to actually be surprised, get yourself three small presents and put them all in identical boxes, mix up the three boxes and wrap them. You won’t know which present is in each box, so you’ll at least be a little surprised!!).
10:30am:
Light your favorite holiday scented candle and take your coffee to the living room. After you throw a log on that fireplace/turn on gas fireplace/umm…space heater, pop in your favorite holiday movie and enjoy.
12:30pm:
Time for lunch! Bust out the holiday playlist on your iPod (or if you’re like me, CD’s!!!) and create this Cheese Soufflé. Remember, the holidays are about overeating, so don’t feel guilty about such a rich and yummy lunch. Besides, no one will be around to judge you anyway! Holla!
2pm:
Man, you are full. Time for some air and activity. Growing up, we always liked to get out of the house on Christmas Day with our cousins and that usually included either sledding or ice skating. If neither activity is available to you, even a nice walk around the block in the cold air will refresh you and make you feel alive.
3pm/4pm:
Depending on your mood, now is the time for some sort of brain stimulation. Since board games don’t really work with one person, either reading a holiday themed novel or decorating a gingerbread house are suggested activities to insert here. Or maybe, winter-themed nails?
6pm:
Christmas Feast time. Just because the table is being set for one, doesn’t mean the meal should be any less fancy. Here are some fantastic recipes you can create for just you:
Cornish Hen with Sweet Potatoes – Cut this in half since it’s for two
Roasted Red Onion with Butter, Honey and Balsamic – obviously, you only need one of these
Glass of your favorite wine
8pm/9pm:
After that delicious meal, you deserve to relax with another movie. If you want to continue wearing pajamas, pop in your #2 favorite holiday movie and enjoy. If you need more air, most movie theatres are open on Christmas and some of the best movies of the year come out on this day, so dress in something sparkly and take your pick. OR, take some cocoa in a thermos and walk around your neighborhood to see the neighbors’ Christmas lights.
11pm:
What a magical day. The only way it could end any better is with a Christmas-themed bath. Pop on that playlist one more time, light that holiday candle and throw in your peppermint bath salts. Oh wait, you thought it couldn’t get any better? It just did. You will also be drinking an Eggnog Martini.
Most glorious day ever? Possibly. Now, even if you are still not convinced a Christmas alone could be a wonderful thing, then my advice to you is this: Don’t be alone. Find a local shelter and/or soup kitchen and volunteer for the day. You could make someone else’s Christmas just as merry as yours.
Happy Holidays!
Photo by Kirsty Mitchell
Time to Grow Up 