The holiday season is often envisioned as a time of joy, filled with family gatherings, festive lights, and cherished traditions. However, experiences during this period can vastly differ, and stepping away from the hustle and bustle may offer its own unique advantages.

In a recent survey conducted by our Solitude Lab involving over 300 UK adults, a significant number reported spending Christmas with family, whether at large gatherings or in intimate settings with immediate loved ones. Despite the positives, many found that socializing—while enjoyable—can bring its own challenges. The stress of gift shopping, traveling, and altered routines can be overwhelming. When asked about their feelings during the holiday season, participants frequently mentioned emotions like love and togetherness, but a notable amount also identified calmness and relaxation. This indicates a desire for both connection and restoration, suggesting that short moments of solitude can help create balance.

Research from our lab highlights that spending around 15 minutes in solitude can effectively reduce heightened emotions. Multiple experiments indicate that feelings of excitement and irritability tend to decrease after just 15 to 30 minutes alone. Participants commonly engaged in activities such as browsing their phones, reading, or simply reflecting. Physiological studies also provide evidence that solitude aids in quicker stress recovery, helping to balance out periods of high stimulation.

These moments need not be extravagant; simple activities like enjoying a quiet cup of tea or running errands alone during early mornings can provide essential space for relaxation and mental reset before rejoining social interactions. Here, solitude isn’t a sign of avoidance, but a valuable means of recalibrating oneself.

Notably, not everyone experiences a crowded holiday season. About 9 percent of adults surveyed anticipated spending Christmas alone. Participants who embraced a solitary Christmas often reported feelings of calm and contentment, with positivity evident in their responses. Loneliness and boredom were less frequently mentioned, particularly among older adults who faced circumstances leading to solo celebrations.

Having a choice greatly influences experiences of loneliness, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Social norms have shifted, leading many to view solitude not as something to fear, but as an opportunity for introspection. Our perspectives play a crucial role in shaping our emotions during these moments.

Moreover, choosing how to spend alone time can enhance the experience. Engaging in reflective activities—such as contemplating positive memories from the past year—or enjoying leisurely walks can be fulfilling. Stepping outside alone also opens the door for brief interactions with strangers, which can uplift your spirits and foster a sense of belonging. This beneficial aspect of human interaction is often underestimated. Despite being physically alone, one can still nurture connections by reaching out to others, sending a card, or reminiscing about loved ones, which can enhance feelings of richness in our lives. Learn more.

Whether you choose to celebrate the Christmas season with others or in solitude, embracing brief moments of quiet brings its own rewards. These pauses allow for reflection, emotional calming, and overall ease in navigating the holiday season—a time that often demands much from us. It’s not about isolating oneself from connection; it’s about recognizing the value of both interactions and solitude.

Tui Vi Nguyen is a principal investigator at Solitude Lab and co-author of the book: Loneliness: The Science and Power of Solitude