5 Easy Alternatives to Christmas When You Want to Switch Things Up
There’s a lot that can be said about the holidays, both good and bad. I personally love when the air gets crispy and the leaves begin to fall, and there’s a particular charm that starts to fill those quiet spaces making everything cozier. But the beautiful aesthetic shift can bring on a lot of emotions as well. Shorter days, crowed city streets, family gatherings, matching pajamas, gift after gift after gift, and a never-ending carousel of office parties. I mean… what are we even doing? I can see how things might start to feel stressful. And what if that Christmas cheer so many love isn’t necessarily your vibe? Finding alternatives to Christmas doesn’t sound so bad when the holidays start to feel like more stress than joy.
But the good news is there’s nothing that says Christmas needs to look the same for everyone. There’s nothing wrong with switching things up this year and making it the kind of day that puts a smile on your face instead of a weight on your shoulders. So, if you decide you want to celebrate differently this year, here are a few of many non-traditional ways to avoid the holiday hullabaloo. Or…. don’t celebrate at all! It’s the beauty of living your best life.
1. Take a Road Trip Instead of Staying Home
Packing a bag and gearing up for the open road is a great way to skip both the family drama and holiday stress. instead of resigning yourself to a crowded living room, opt for a quiet cabin in the woods or follow a desert sunrise instead. I’m sure there is some funky little town with no holiday music blaring from every corner just waiting to welcome you or you could even make a stop somewhere iconic like the Cadillac Ranch. And while you’re road-tripping maybe you could make your own traditions! A cute gas station snack feast or finding and staying at a quirky roadside motel like the World-Famous Clown Motel.
2. Give Your Time Through Volunteering
I’m the type of person who simultaneously loves to give gifts but also hates the pressure of it during the Christmas season. Because of that, volunteering is one of my favorites when it comes to Christmas alternatives. One amazing way to touch hearts at the holidays is to just pour your energy into giving back. Spend the day serving meals at a shelter or making care packages for unhoused communities. Even volunteering at an animal rescue would be a fun way to spend the day. I think you’ll agree that there’s something grounding about using the holidays to spread kindness where it’s really needed. No wrapping paper needed!
3. Hunt Down Offbeat Events
Not into midnight mass or tree-lighting ceremonies? Looking for local weirdness might be the perfect alternative. One year, I went to an immersive Krampus event, and still ’til this day it was one of the funnest things I’ve done during the holidays. So, think outside the box a bit! Look for maybe a Krampus parade or goth holiday market. Just think about how much fun a late-night drag show dressed in head to toe tinsel would be! Offbeat events like these are also great ways to connect with other like-minded individuals. You know… our kind of people!
4. Ignore It Altogether
Here’s a radical idea: You can skip the celebrations all together! Shut off your phone and work on a creative project or binge-watch horror movies and order takeout. The point is to just spend December 25th like it’s just another day. Or treat it like an extra day off that belongs entirely to you. We’re all aware of how much stress and pressure the holidays sometimes bring up, so just take this day to free yourself.
5. Create Your Own Micro-Tradition
So if you don’t want to totally ignore the day, then how about creating new Christmas traditions and making them unique to you? If the old traditions aren’t for you, just throw them out! Take a moment to think about what’s important to you, what would be fun to celebrate every year, and what kinds of things you would want to pass on to future generations. Maybe every December you write a letter to your future self and collect those in a keepsake book. Maybe you could host a “No-Christmas Christmas” dinner where the theme is neon and tacos. Maybe your new tradition is group phone calls with friends or siblings while sipping wine and reminiscing about the good-old-days. The point of it all is that it’s yours. Do what makes you happy.
Before You Go…
The holidays aren’t one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re on the road, giving back, seeking out oddball events, or redefining what it means altogether, the season belongs to you and you alone. So, celebrate it (or don’t) in whatever way feels good to your spirit. Just be joyful, and true to your weird and wandering soul.
Have you tried anything from this post?! What kind of Christmas traditions have you started?
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