alone for the holiday?

Question

i just wanna let you all know that i'm an international student who's been here in the US for two years. I was in PA for the first year and then moved to California (los angeles) for the second year. I'm alone for the holiday. No parents and no friends. What should I do for christmas and New Year? Jeez...if there's no good advice from any of you, this is gonna be a dark holiday for me. For now I just can't wait till school starts. I go to Santa Monica College and winter classes start on the 2nd of Jan.

Answer 1

In the United States we have plenty of people who will have a lonely holiday...they often go to a shelter for a holiday meal---it is called fellowship---you might be able to volunteer at a shelter--serving meals to people that are less fortunate than you and the rest of us.Christmas is a spirit also---the spirit of giving for one. Take a walk and give a smile to people. Stop by a firestation and tell the firemen who have to work that you appreciate the fact that they are there --ready to help anyone who has a problem on such a special day. Bring cookies to the firehouse--just say thanks and be safe.God has given us presents---flowers, warm weather, the ocean and beaches---go out and give some thought to all that we have been given by God. Enjoy nature for the day. Sit and have a soda or coffee and reflect about your life---you have brains and beauty that you seem to be putting to good use. Find a nice spot to thank God for all that. I am alone also--family is all gone, and I work as a firefighter who sees a lot of saddness on Christmas Day. Please do not be depressed----you have lots to offer everyday and you should be proud of that--I wish I could be in LA but I can't----smile and the day will be better than you think--if you can---have a coffee and think about me--I will do the same here in New Jersey--I will think of you over coffee---best of luck to you in the future--I hope everything works out the way you want. MERRY CHRISTMAS

Answer 2

Due to "family issues" and a job that requires me to work holidays, I have spent many a Christmas alone. And to be honest, those holidays weren't too bad.

One year I volunteered at a homeless shelter and helped prepare Christmas dinner- actually, on Christmas it was so busy that I left, but all of the days leading up to and afterwards they needed help.

2) I know you said, no friends around, so that leaves having a dinner and mini party with them out.

3) Check the local churches/ synagoges- many of them have candle light services or pageants on or around Christmas eve. Even if you are not of the same faith, you can go to one just to see what it is like and to enjoy a peaceful time with others. Usually there are a lot of visitors for those events.

4) Go rent as many Christmas movies as you can or some sort of trilogy or mini series (think Lord of the Rings..etc) and a bunch of munchies and have your own movie day. The same can be said for curling up with that novel you have always wanted to read but have never had time to.

5) You can bake cookies or goodies and take them up to the local Fire/ police/ EMS or 911 dispatch station- even the University police. They don't get Christmas off either and alway appreciate goodies.

6) If you are Christian, you can always take the time to read the Christmas story in the Bible and meditate, or pray about what the season is really about without all of the "fluff" around to distract you.

7) Finally, I would reccomend putting up your tree (if thats how you celeebrate) and hanging on to your presents until the time that your family usually opens them. Pick up the phone and give them a call during this time and open gifts when they are, or just spend time chatting.

8) You can always log on to Yahoo answers! :) I promise there will be SOMEONE here who is in the same situation as you or is trying to get away from the madness of family ! Good luck to you and Merry Christmas!

Answer 3

At my college they have programs for students to go home with local families so they can celebrate. Maybe your school has that? My school also has a program that matches international students to domestic ones to help them get to know one another.

I studied abroad and I remember missing my family during holidays, but I had other friends and Americans with me to celebrate still. I'd say just keep busy, and try to put yourself out there and you'll meet people. Your school might have a club for international students or people from your country I'd think. Good luck!

Answer 4

When I was single and on my own for the holidays, I usually volunteered so that I wouldn't be by myself for the "big days" themselves - serving Christmas dinner at a homeless shelter/soup kitchen, visiting nursing homes and hospitals, stuff like that. Once I had wrapped that up, I usually took a nap and then went out and partied on my own. :)

Answer 5

Follow this action plan RELIGIOUSLY:

First and foremost, wear something great (but not overbearing) when you go out.

Second, read through your local paper for singles clubs and hangout events.

Third, create a personal profile on the web and solicit great women to respond.

Fourth, visit some churches on line that are in your area and look for "good women".

Last, but not least, if nothing else has worked for you, go to a great strip joint in your area.

EA

Answer 6

if you're pertaining to the present tale in the documents, this became a Mark Warner vacation. they target their vacation journeys at households and this is all inclusive and the vacation section is enclosed. At time for supper they supply an early "intense tea" for kids and a later meal for adults and older children. they furnish a touch one-listening provider which matches around the rooms and alerts you if there is any noise out of your room. I went in this kind of vacation about 10 years in the past so it ought to have replaced, yet each human getting used to leave little ones in the rooms using infant-listening.

Answer 7

i hear ya. i felt the same way when i first went to china to study. but i was fortunate to have arrived with other classmates and most of them had the same xmas beliefs and traditions so we celebrated are way and invited others who were interested in observing an american holiday tradition.

doesn't your university have a int. students community? or some other organization that will help you with the holidays?

Answer 8

I would find a singles group nearest you and see what group activities you could join to make the holidays happier. I feel for you, it must be tough, but you'll make it through. Maybe if you join a group, you just might make some wonderful, lifelong friends! :-)

Answer 9

They have inexpensive cruises leaving from LA. Take a cruise, join the crowd, and celebrate with the new friends you'll make.

Answer 10

Well, you are welcome to come to my house--but it is in Iowa. We always have a ton of people and friends over and it is come as you are. If you want to wear your pajama pants, that is just fine with us. We eat and talk and watch movies ...

I will be thinking of you and wish you were here. Bless your heart, I hope you can get by o.k.