62 percent of Lithuanians older than 55 live alone, and 32 percent of home units in Lithuania consist of one person. Although being alone doesn’t mean being lonely, and loneliness itself has many shades and reasons, being lonely, especially in holiday season, may be upsetting for some people.
“The contrast principle may be in play here: we see friends, colleagues, classmates and neighbours buying presents, planning festive meals and wardrobe, and, if we are lonely, emptiness may creep in”, says Rosita Lekavičienė, professor at Kaunas University of Technology Department of Philosophy and Psychology.
According to her, the topic of being lonely during holiday season is being discussed year after year. That means that it is of utmost importance in Western society, which itself is becoming more and more individualistic.
The psychologist stresses that being alone is rarely a choice, but rather a situation, caused by life events. However, she urges not to overthink the reasons for feeling lonely during that period: there will be plenty of time to do this on other times.
“There is a good rule applicable to all situations: we are being influenced not by the facts itself, but by their interpretations. Our attitude towards the holidays is the result of our thinking. If we think that holidays are horrible and hate them, the holiday season will be dark and dull. But we can create another narrative: we can think that this lonely holiday season provides us a chance to take better care of ourselves, to become a Santa Claus to ourselves, and to try to change the situation in the next year”, says Lekavičienė.
For those who happen to be alone on winter holidays the psychologist has some advice.
5 LONELY HOLIDAY DON’Ts
6 LONELY HOLIDAY DO’s
Below is the list of events, which you can join during holiday season. There are many more concerts, free events and gatherings in Kaunas and Vilnius. Have great winter holidays!
http://renginiai.kasvyksta.lt/35815/kaledu-laukimas-skambant-gitaroms
http://renginiai.kasvyksta.lt/35778/kaledine-popiete-vytauto-didziojo-karo-muziejuje
http://renginiai.kasvyksta.lt/12016/naujametis-reviu