How to Survive the Holidays When You're New in Town by Drea Contas

A fierce storm has blown in and all flights are canceled. You won't be going anywhere, any time soon. You boss just called. You need to go out of town to resolve an imminent work crisis that will take at least a week to sort out - two days before Christmas. You've been waiting by the phone and finally got the call that you've got the job of your dreams… but you have to relocate - now. No matter how it happened, you now find yourself alone, in a new location. If you're used to big family holidays, the prospect of spending this time of year alone can be a bit depressing, however, it doesn't have to be. There are a lot better ways to spend the holidays than staring at your hotel room walls, wishing you were home. In fact, spending the holidays alone can be a blessing in disguise. After all, you won't have to deal with old family baggage or endure Uncle Joe's political lectures. So give yourself permission to feel whatever you happen to feel - whether it's sadness or relief - and check out the following tips for surviving the holidays when you're new in town.

• Hang out with fellow "orphans." If you're in town for a job, have a get-together with fellow employees/contractors who are in the same boat. If you happen to be a student, organize an epic pot luck Thanksgiving in your dorm or apartment. Many military families "adopt" single soldiers or spouses of deployed soldiers for a home cooked holiday dinner. Whatever your situation, you've probably got a built-in community with people who are most likely in the same boat as you are. Tap into it.
• Embrace your location. If your company has set you up in

Suite Accommodations, chances are you're near a major metropolitan area with plenty of interesting things to see and do including performing arts, museums, local attractions and sports teams. There's sure to be a variety of local events as well, so find something that looks interesting and go.

• Do that one thing you've always wanted to do. Have you ever had that one thing that you want to do but no one else in the family ever does or you've just never had the time? Now is the time to finally do it, whether it's eating Chinese food for Christmas dinner or touring local cemeteries. Whatever floats your boat, it's your big opportunity to go for it.
• Volunteer. There's nothing that puts things into perspective like helping out at a soup kitchen or homeless shelter. Every city, no matter the size, has volunteer opportunities. Find one that calls to your heart and volunteer your time. There are always animal shelters, nursing homes and food pantries that can use an extra hand, especially during the holidays.
• Get creative. Have you always wanted to make YouTube videos, Vines or vlogs? Grab your smart phone and start documenting your time in your new city. You never know, your videos just might go viral! Even if they don't, you'll have a fun keepsake of your adventures around town.
• Embrace solitude. Rebrand your alone time as a gift to yourself. Spend all day curled up with a hot beverage and a book, or binge watching your favorite television shows. Take a day to pamper yourself or simply relax and recharge. After all, that's one of the best gifts you can give yourself.

About the Author: Drea Contas is a travel expert and contributing writer who enjoys helping people enjoy the journey no matter where they happen to be going.

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