Festive period is often associated with togetherness. However, for those spending the holidays alone, whether intentionally or due to circumstance, the season can bring uncomfortable feelings of loneliness.

‎‎Even outside holiday periods, loneliness is difficult to navigate, but the pressure to be joyful in December can heighten the experience.

‎‎While the holidays are supposed to spark joy and connection, they can just as easily trigger the opposite, leaving some feeling disconnected, excluded, or overwhelmed by expectations. The societal pressure to appear happy can be especially heavy for those who do not have company during this period.

‎‎For John Kamau, who usually meets his family and relatives every December, this year will feel different.

‎‎He explains that they held their gathering earlier than usual because several of his family members needed time to plan vacations.

‎‎“I get to meet my family during December, but this time we met earlier to allow people to plan their holiday, especially those going for vacations,” he says.

‎‎Although he is uncertain about how he will handle the holidays alone, he plans to use the quiet time to rest.

‎‎Similarly, Ben Mwangi has grown accustomed to working throughout the festive season. He admits that it becomes harder when friends and neighbours leave town.

‎‎“It gets more lonely when almost all your friends and even neighbors leave for the holidays. For me, I usually choose to watch movies and order in,” he says.

‎‎Mwangi adds that he only leaves the house when invited for a night out.

‎‎For others like Ashley Khisa, the decision not to travel is deliberate. She avoids holiday chaos and prefers to postpone her trip until January.

‎‎“It’s always easier to travel after the holidays; it helps me save, especially in this economy,” she notes.

‎‎Although she admits the season can feel lonely, she often chooses to doom-scroll or spend time resting, which becomes more manageable with time.

‎‎According to psychologist Geoffrey Chege, who is also the founder of Kivuli Wellness Kenya, loneliness during the festive season is common and manageable. He advises beginning with acknowledging one’s emotions and then finding simple ways to stay connected, whether by joining community activities, volunteering, or maintaining personal routines.

‎‎Chege also recommends quick techniques for sudden loneliness, such as deep breathing, journaling, and movement.

‎‎Creating small personal traditions, practicing intentional self-care, and avoiding unhealthy comparisons can also help people find meaning during the holidays.

‎‎Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of checking on loved ones, as even small gestures can remind someone that they are not alone.

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Solo holidays: How to navigate loneliness during the festive season

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Muthoni Wanjiku