Living your best life – at any age – involves accepting who you are, both the desirable parts and those areas that require some work. Fashion designer, Diane von Furstenberg, says it best, “You’re always with yourself, so you might as well enjoy the company.”
The Holiday Season can be wrought with emotions for many. Memories of Holidays past, missing friends and family who have passed or are miles apart, or even unmanaged expectations can put a damper on the Holiday spirit. I challenge you to get comfortable in your own skin and take steps to avoid feelings of loneliness this Holidays Season. If you’re in need of a place to go or companionship this Holiday Season, here are some options to consider regardless of your age.
Places to Go:
For my California readers, the beach is always open. Pack a picnic. Watch the sunset. If the beach permits, enjoy a bonfire
Places of Worship/Churches – most do not ask your religion, some offer food on Holiday events or gatherings, Christmas Eve or Christmas Day services, some hand out small gifts. Churches are also an excellent place to give your time, interact with, and help others
Casinos – always open and an exciting place to meet people and eat a good meal. A place to gamble if you’re so inclined
Soup kitchens – an excellent place to volunteer, surround yourself with others, and give back to your community
Things to Do:
Plan a vacation – if you can afford it, it’s not too late to book a senior cruise or find a senior-centric destination
Join a Zoom Senior Party – Meetup.com-Virtual Holiday Parties
Light Display Tours – you can learn more about Conejo Valley Holiday light displays and events
Places to Eat:
Keeping it local, Chester’s Asia Chinese Restaurant, now in its 59th year, will serve from its regular dinner menu from 11AM to 9:30PM on Christmas. Prices range from about $10.00 for vegetable fried rice to $45.00 for a whole Peking duck (must be ordered at least one hour in advance). 805-482-6564, 2216 Pickwick Dr. Camarillo; www.chestersasia.com
Here’s a list of national restaurants open on Christmas Day:
Applebee’s
Benihana
Ruth’s Chris
Denny’s
Boston Market
Domino’s
Kona Grill
Waffle House
STK Steakhouse
IHOP
Parker & Quinn
Eddie Merlot’s
The Wilson
McDonald’s (not all locations are guaranteed open)
Being comfortable with yourself does not minimize any hurt or longing surrounding the Holidays. Simultaneously, choosing your own happiness over the Holidays (or on a daily basis, for that matter) doesn’t magically erase feelings of discomfort or unease. Having places to go and things to do this Holiday Season, however, allows you the opportunity to move forward and step away from the loneliness that might blanket your Holidays.
Remember, Neale Donald Walsch said, “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” I encourage you to make your own new memories this Holiday Season and continue to live your best senior life!
Holiday blessings to all and here’s to good health and much happiness throughout all of 2023!