For Christmas this year I decided to hunker down in Austin instead of adding 40 hours of drive time and travel debt to my end-of-year plans.
I will be spending Christmas alone, and there’s something so dramatic and spicy about telling people that.
It ushers in "oh my god, noooo — why?" responses.
You get the "just checking in" texts from friends and family, some of whom don’t usually send “just checking in” texts.
Then as the big day nears, you find presents delivered with cards that say things like "just wanted you to have something to open on Christmas.” God, so cute and sweet!
I really feel so loved and missed by my family and friends, but honestly it’s been a little fun to add a touch of drama to my conversations.
Hannah’s not going home for the holidays? Oooooooooh. The drama. The spice. This could be the beginning to a Hallmark holiday rom-com.
Everyone’s expecting me to be sad about being alone on Christmas!
What people don’t see right away is that I may never get the opportunity to spend Christmas alone again. This version of me may not exist next holiday season.
Next year I may have a new significant other and I’ll be meeting their family for the first time. I could be hunkered down with my closest friends for a misfit Christmas. Or maybe I’ll decide to drive the 20 hours back to Wilmington to spend the holidays with family.
This could be the only time I ever get to see how Hannah spends Christmas alone. How does she make this a story-of-a-day that she’ll cherish for years to come? What strangers will she run into and strike up a conversation with? What traditions will be born out of this year?
i will never have
this version of me again
let me slow down
and be with her
always evolving — rupi kaur
So yeah, I’m pretty excited.
I have my place to myself. I’ve done some serious deep cleaning. I’ve crocheted. I’ve recorded music. I’ve made mini mince meat pies and homemade toaster strudels. I’ve watched the entirety of White Lotus and that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle docuseries. I’ve got all the Trader Joe’s ingredients necessary for a fantastic meal for one.
Honey, we’re just getting started.
Being alone doesn’t mean being lonely. Being alone can and should be cathartic, rewarding, and recharging.
I mean, come on — who doesn’t love dancing around their kitchen without pants on?
I feel sorry for anyone who doesn't get to spend Christmas alone.
Just kidding (sort of…)
Till next time.