Alone In Canada - Celebrating the holidays

"The first New Year I was alone all day. I did not know anyone. You know what I did all day? I cried. This New Year was better. My friends and I had a party and we bought presents for each other. We talked a lot and ate a lot. We even danced. I still cried - but this time it was because I was happy." - Chikako, from Japan

Plan ahead so that you do not spend religious and cultural holidays alone. In Canada, most people spend Christmas, New Year and Thanksgiving with their families or friends. Canadians who live alone or far away may make special trips to be with their families on these days.

Even if you do not celebrate these holidays, you may find it hard to be happy when people around you talk about the good times they hope to have with their families. You may feel even lonelier on these days.

You may also want to celebrate your own cultural or religious events, such as Ramadan, Diwali, or Chinese New Year.  You can invite your friends over for a potluck dinner. Or you can meet them at a restaurant or café to celebrate.

If you cannot enjoy the holidays with friends, but still want to be with people, you can volunteer to help out in hospitals, homes for seniors or homeless shelters. Here you will not be alone, and are likely to find people who will appreciate your company.

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