10 Fun Ways to Celebrate the New Year Alone

When you watch New Year celebrations on television, it looks like everyone in the world observes the holiday at loud, crowded parties. In spite of appearances, many people prefer to celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of another alone. If you’ve found yourself alone for New Year and aren’t sure how to mark the day, take heart: there are plenty of fun ways you can celebrate solo.

Many people don’t have a family or trustworthy friends, so there’s nothing wrong with you. You shouldn’t feel bored or depressed. Pick one or two of these ten activities, and chances are you will have an incredibly fun New Year’s celebration.

Just focus on positive things. Don’t pity yourself. You’re not miserable, because ringing in the New Year alone will allow you to enjoy your own company, discover your hidden skills and set smart resolutions.

1. Create a scrapbook

As the year draws to a close, take time to remember what you’ve accomplished. Buy an empty scrapbook and fill it with photos and mementos of your achievements.

Include handwritten notes and recollections of the most memorable events of the year, both personal and those from the headlines. You will be so interested in creating your own scrapbook that you won’t notice you celebrate New Year alone.

2. Chat with others

If you feel that it’s imperative to have someone to talk to as the evening passes, get online and join a chat room. You aren’t the only person who’s spending the holiday alone.

Connect with others from around the globe and see how they’re spending their New Year. Sure, it’s not the best way to spend New Year’s Eve, but when everything else fails, it may be a good idea to try.

3. Get away from it all

Plan a short getaway for the new year, if you can afford. Even if you only check into a hotel in your city, you will experience a change of scenery and be able to immerse yourself in luxury.

Order room service, watch in-room movies or wander down to the bar to usher in the New Year. Who knows, maybe you will find your true love or good friends there.

4. Watch movies

If you’re like most people, there are probably numerous movies that you meant to watch but have never gotten around to seeing. Collect several of them and save them for a special viewing on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Make plenty of popcorn or call the local Chinese carryout for a meal you can enjoy during your movie marathon.

5. Fix comfort food

Whether you watch your diet carefully or not, the holidays are a time to enjoy those foods that you may normally deny yourself. Fix a big pot of chili, a casserole, homemade macaroni and cheese or a hearty stew and enjoy it during the course of the holiday.

You can also make some delicious cream soup. Don’t forget to include a decadent dessert for afterward.

More: Healthier Holiday Meals: Trim the Fat to Stay on Point with Your Diet

6. Learn a new language

The start of a new year is a great time to learn something new. If you have a trip abroad scheduled in the new year, all the better. If not, a second language will always come in handy anyway.

Grab a book, video or set of CDs or sign up for an online course and begin studying. There are many free courses, which means you can boost your skills and career without wrecking your budget.

7. Attend a religious service

Many religious institutions have services on New Year’s Eve as an alternative option to the usual partying and social scene. Even if you’re not a regular attendee, feel free to observe the holiday at any institution that interests you. Call beforehand and ask if there are any aspects of the service in which you should simply observe instead of participate.

8. Watch television

Since you’re probably busy the biggest part of the year, why not take time out to veg in front of the television? Opt for one of the many marathons that are on during the holidays or tune in to one or more of the various New Year celebrations that are broadcast each year.

9. Shop online

If the holidays passed and you didn’t receive that special gift that you were hoping for, why not buy it for yourself? Almost everything is on sale as retailers try to clear out merchandise before the beginning of the year. Hit the websites of your favorite stores and place an order that will arrive just after the holiday.

10. Toast yourself

Make a list of everything you like about yourself. Take your time and really dig deep to find your positive qualities. If that’s difficult for you to do, make a list of all the things you’re thankful for.

Then, open a bottle of wine, champagne or liquor and make a toast to all that you have to appreciate. If you feel like you’ve always underestimated yourself, learn to value yourself more in the new year.

More: 10 Smart New Year’s Resolutions for 2016

Whether spending New Year alone was your choice or simply a matter of circumstance, there’s no reason to be down about it. Take the time to pamper yourself and enjoy the holiday your way.

You never know where you’ll find yourself this time next year. In the end, New Year’s Eve is just another evening of your life.

Have you ever celebrated New Year alone?1