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Writer's pictureGabriella Ratnarajah

Embracing the Solo Glow: A Unique Take on Christmas Celebrations in Korea


Christmas in Korea

We wrote an article about Christmas in Korea being primarily about couples and their date days, you can read more about it HERE.


Christmas around the world is celebrated in many different ways, in Western countries it's a time of festivities with families, in Korea as we know it mainly focuses on couples, but for the rest of the world, it can be just a normal day! If you're feeling for being in the Christmas spirit but might be spending the day celebrating with yourself whether you live alone or prefer it that way, here are some wholesome ideas to make new Christmas traditions for yourself and embrace the solo glow!


In South Korea, a new trend is growing for those who aren't in relationships to celebrate Christmas with friends, have exuberant dinners, visit glittery Christmas markets, decorate their homes, and enjoy Christmas foods and snacks!


This article is a guide for those who may not have a partner, family, or friends to celebrate with but want to have a great day regardless! Having lived alone in Seoul for a little bit, it's always nice to treasure your alone time! Especially for the holidays!


Volunteer


Volunteer Santas in Seoul

We've written a few articles on where you can volunteer in Seoul. You can read these HERE. One thing that always warms the heart is giving your time and love to those in need. It's also a great way to connect with other people from different backgrounds. If you want to give back this Christmas season why not volunteer at your local Homeless Shelter or see if there are any volunteer Christmas projects around? Homeless shelters are usually open to volunteers who don't necessarily need to be regulars, so if you'd like to give it a try one time it's worth giving a go! Volunteering is a gift to all.


Decorate your home, play carols, and have a charcuterie board, or indulge in some Christmas treats!





This one is pretty self-explanatory. Decorating your home with warm Christmas lights, a Christmas tree, playing a carol playlist, making a Christmas-themed cheese board, or indulging in Christmas treats such as Stollen or Panetone with a nice coffee or tea!



Christmas Carol Video Example



Book/Make yourself a Christmas Dinner or Watch a Movie



Enjoy a lovely Christmas meal for yourself, whether that be at a restaurant or made by yourself at home. Or watch a Christmas movie! Eating alone or going to the movies alone can be a very empowering experience (especially if you're a little conscious about being alone).


Buy yourself a Christmas Gift or Write a Christmas Card to yourself


Present Tag


Treat yourself to a special gift, think outside the box, and/or write yourself a reflective card and thank yourself for how far you've come this year! Write yourself a warm, love-filled Christmas letter. This letter ties into the next idea on our list!


Start working on your New Year's Resolutions and Reflect on All the Great Things you've accomplished this year!



New Year's Resolutions


You can start planning what you'd like the New Year to look like! Here at Dojeon, we love to purchase the New Year's diary, make a list of goals we'd like to achieve, and write down and reflect on the good and the bad from the year before to see how we've changed and improved and areas that may need improvement. Remember we are all learning so be gentle with yourself.


We know in many cultures being single or "alone" can be seen as negative but it's quite beautiful, spending time by oneself opens our eyes to the person we are and the person we are becoming. Enjoying moments alone is one of the best things you can do in life after all at the end of the day we are all we have. So don't dread your alone time, embrace it, and make it special, it will carry you through your lifetime.


Have you celebrated significant holidays alone? What was your experience? Comment below to share your thoughts!





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