Home Alone This Holiday?
December 22, 2010, By P.K. Lassiter 0 comments
For most men, the thought of spending the holidays alone is a dreadful idea. I have seen stoic, rugged, coal miners full on sob at the thought of not having anyone to spend the holidays with. It is a daunting task.
But it doesn’t have to be. So you’re not married, or perhaps you’re recently divorced. Maybe you don’t have a family, or you’re an expatriate, living in a remote location. Any and all of the above can be reason enough to catch a case of the holiday blues.
But I have found that there are three surefire way to fight off the stiff holiday chill.
Hit the Line
In the wintertime, the need for help at local homeless shelters or community food banks is at an all-time high. There are few things you can do that are more rewarding than being of positive service to those whose lives are tougher than your own. Not only will you be contributing to the greater good of society (and God knows we all need that) but you will meet like-minded people along the way, which is always a plus.
Shop ‘til you Drop
I know this is most commonly territory reserved for the ladies, but if you get out there and participate in the magic of holiday consumerism, not only do you get your gifts out on time, but you open yourself up to meeting the people that do like to shop -- the ladies. So get your wallet out and get to it.
Practice Your “Ho Ho Ho”
This one’s for all of you brave souls. I did this two years ago and again last year and both times it was the highlight of my holiday season. Visit your local Salvation Army and volunteer to play Santa at a local donation location. Trust me, it’s a blast. You’ll be shaking off any shyness in the first 10 minutes, and by the end of your shift you’ll be ready to fly the sled to the North Pole yourself. Nothing, and I mean nothing, will get you into the holiday season faster and more effectively.
Don’t let the fact that you may be spending the season alone put a damper on your Christmas. These three methods are surefire ways to get you into the holiday spirit in a hurry. And you’ll be doing yourself and your community a very necessary service.
Now that’s a gift worth giving. Have a merry one!
P.K. Lassiter is a freelance writer and featured contributor to ManoftheHouse.com.
