How to enjoy a holiday-when you’re the only one at the table.

My first year “holidaying” by myself. I have dreaded it. As I do when I don’t know what or how to do, I prayed. I cried. And I prayed again, and this is the way I will enjoy the day.

People can only be one place at a time. Most of us can’t hologram ourselves, and when travel is required for celebrations, someone is going to be left out. When the word “family” is extended to include (even potential) in-laws, life changes.

An aging parent will be left behind for a time. It’s life and that’s what happens. I’m astounded that I never considered this would happen. (Were there really no local boys that could become my girl’s heart light?)

My extended family, like so many others, are cancelling all celebrations because they fear that they are at risk.

I had a meal invitation to join a family about 20 miles away. I love that they value me and care about me. They bring joy.

Since this is also the year of “the rona”, mass gatherings aren’t happening. Those fun times of volunteering at community dinners for holiday stragglers don’t apply. Restaurants aren’t open and in the state where I live, the governor has decreed only 8 people at an inside gathering.

So. Rather than bitterness and partaking in a meal of self-pity, what do you do when you find yourself in that position of being in this holiday alone?

Plan. Solo holidaying success is all in the planning.

First, celebrate.

Celebrate what? That you’re able to be at home. That you’re not dependent on someone else to meet your daily needs. Good health is the condition that makes all other situations causes for celebrations.

Clear out any “what about me?” It’s in the life cycle of humans that the young meet, marry, mate, and move on. It’s a cause for celebration that we get to witness their advancement, encourage them, and mentor them into maturity. We have already been where they are just now going.

Don’t look back. Leave regrets off the menu. There’s always a bitter taste in the meal where “what if’s” is served.

Buy bird food. Sling it far and wide. Watch the crowd gather. Purposely watch the birds. Remember the lesson in them. God has not forgotten a single one of them, nor you. You are not alone.

Laugh as you choose the holiday menu. No green bean casserole. Unless you want it. A sandwich is an option. So is a paper plate. Go as plain or fancy as you want. Buy the ice cream YOU want to eat. Eat it.

Avoid the Hallmark channel, in-person shopping, and sappy novels. Find a series of comedies you want to watch. Keep laughing.

Decide now that you will spend the holiday with the One who makes all days “holy days”.

Purposely dress in the clothes you can only wear when no one is expected. That old robe, those sloppy socks.

Call someone who might be lonely. Encourage them. Find something you can laugh about with them.

Pray for people in the nursing homes and the families that can’t visit them. Pray for the people in the hospitals and all those who are caring for them.

Praise God for all the days ahead, no matter what they look like, because He is already in the middle of those days and working on our behalf.

Choose life. People will return. The joy is in the life that we have now. Traditions are nice, but they change. Don’t give away “today” by anticipating tomorrow.

Next year you might not be the only one at your table. But if you are this year, breathe deep, use your sleeve and not a napkin if you want. Turn up the Reindeer music and live thankful, live in joy.

Be glad you’re all that You are. He made You. He is for You. Talk to Him. He’s listening. After all, He had some days alone, too. Three of them. But what a reunion that was!