Loving Your Single Friends at Christmas

Twinkling lights, our favorite carols sung by candlelight, delicious treats.

There can be so many fun and special traditions around the holidays, but they can also be painful, especially for singles. The year might have held a painful divorce, a tragic loss, or the crushed hope of a broken relationship. It might have included a move and a new job, taking them away from family and friends.

Whatever the case, there are single people around you who need a little extra loving at Christmas! Here are a few ideas:

• Include them. Find out if the single people in your life have somewhere to go for Christmas, and consider adding an extra chair at the table for them. Christmas is such a family-centered holiday, which can make it especially lonely for those who can’t travel to be with loved ones. If you are serving overseas, make sure that you include your single teammates in your parties or family celebrations.

• Send them a card. Your single friend might be hesitant to mail a picture of themselves at the holidays, but that doesn’t mean they won’t love filling their wall with cards and family pictures from others! Get their address and include them on your mailing list. For those living in another country, consider scanning your card and emailing it, or sending it extra early so it gets there in time!

• Let them love on your kids. Let your single friends be an adopted auntie or grandma by inviting them to your kids’ Christmas programs, or plan a holiday movie party at your house. Kids can bring so much excitement to Christmas and it is a gift to let your single friend experience that with your family.

• Consider giving them a small gift ahead of time so they can stick it under the tree. It doesn’t have to be big, but a little something to unwrap on Christmas day could mean the world to them!

No matter who we are or where we are, we need connection with others. Who in your life might need a little extra dose of hope this Christmas?

What are some practical ways you have found to include and love the singles in your life? Or, if you are single, what would you add to this list?

Photo by Sean Wells on Unsplash

Other Christmas Thoughts:

The Pain of Christmas

Surviving Christmas Overseas