An Open Letter to Anybody Feeling Lonely This Holiday Season

Dear You,

If you find yourself reading this, I just want to say that I am so sorry this time of year is so difficult for you. Whether you are grieving the loss of a loved one, healing from a break up, or just feel disconnected from friends and family this year, I know how painful this season can be.

I could delve into tips for managing loneliness over the holidays or share some free online support groups, but I am not going to do that right now. Today I am just going to acknowledge the fact that the holidays can be really, really hard—and that’s okay.

It might seem like the rest of the world is overflowing with warmth, laughter, and joy right now, meanwhile you may be spending the holidays on your own, wishing you can fast forward through all of it. Or maybe you are celebrating the holidays surrounded by other people, but you still feel deeply alone.

Loneliness has a way of whispering lies to us—it tells us that we do not belong, that we have been forgotten, that we do not deserve true connection or togetherness. If you take one thing away from this note, please let it be that these things are not true. I know the holidays shed a light on this kind of pain, but please remember that you are worthy, simply by existing. It’s corny but I truly believe this.

So, this letter is not to fix you or change how you feel. This letter is here to sit beside you, in whatever way it can, and remind you that it’s okay to feel like this. It’s okay to wish for more, to ache for connection, to miss somebody so much it hurts.

I’m sure it’s hard to believe right now, but you are not alone. There are so many people who feel the same way that you do. 55% of American adults experience holiday loneliness, with many expressing the belief that Christmas is the hardest day of the year.

Please remember that the holiday season is temporary, and I hope you feel some relief soon. Somewhere in the vastness of this world, someone is holding space for you—just like I am right now.

With warmth and care,

Eada G

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