This year, I spent Thanksgiving alone, just me, in my Camden apartment on my couch, and the Macy’s Day Parade on TV. Somewhere between the giant SpongeBob balloon floating down the streets of New York City and the Rockettes pretending they weren’t freezing, I found myself feeling unexpectedly cozy. With a cup of hot chocolate in hand and my dog curled up beside me, I realized something important: spending the holidays alone doesn’t mean being lonely.

Photo Courtesy of Camden Midtown Atlanta in Atlanta, GA

We’re used to seeing the holidays portrayed as big family gatherings filled with laughter, food, and chaos. But they can also be a time to create your own traditions. Maybe that’s a movie marathon, exploring your city, or simply practicing a little self-love.

There’s something magical about diving into a movie marathon and letting time slip away. One moment you’re laughing at Buddy the Elf pouring syrup on his spaghetti, the next you’re debating whether Die Hard really counts as a Christmas movie (spoiler alert: it absolutely does). Build a blanket fort, queue up your favorite films, and don’t forget to enjoy that pie you baked in your apartment kitchen from Martha Stewart’s holiday cookbook, it tastes even better when you don’t have to share.

Photo Courtesy of Camden Brookwood in Atlanta, GA

Exploring your city during the holidays is another way to embrace the season. Within five minutes of Camden Midtown Atlanta, the Atlanta Botanical Garden glows with dazzling lights, Step outside the front doors of Camden Fourth Ward and the Beltline offers festive strolls with plenty of food stops, and a quick drive from Camden Brookwood, Atlantic Station’s ice rink is perfect for solo skating. Even a simple drive from Midtown to Buckhead feels like a holiday adventure as the streets sparkle with cheerful displays. Every city has its own seasonal magic, so don’t be afraid to play tourist in your hometown.

Photo Courtesy of Camden Fourth Ward in Atlanta

Most importantly, practicing self-love during the holidays is like giving yourself a gift you didn’t know you needed. Instead of juggling crowded schedules or family debates, you get to slow down and treat yourself with kindness. It’s about recognizing that your own company is valuable, and joy doesn’t require a crowd. Alone doesn’t mean lacking love, it means directing it inward, and that’s a powerful way to celebrate.

Spending the holidays solo doesn’t mean missing out; it means writing your own version of the day. So, if you find yourself alone this season, don’t panic. Being alone for the holidays isn’t sad, it’s liberating. And once you embrace that, you might just start looking forward to it.