Why it is important to make space for solitude over the festive season
The festive season is a period of social connection for many of us, but alone time can be equally enriching, says Thuy-vy Nguyen, principal investigator of the Solitude Lab
Comment and Mind
The festive season is a period of social connection for many of us, but alone time can be equally enriching, says Thuy-vy Nguyen, principal investigator of the Solitude Lab
23 December 2025
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Simone Rotella
We tend to imagine the holiday season as universally joyful and social, full of family gatherings, sparkling lights and shared traditions. But people’s experiences at this time of year are far from uniform, and stepping outside the usual norms can come with its own perks.
In a recent survey of more than 300 adults in the UK by our Solitude Lab, most respondents said they would still spend Christmas with family this year – either in larger gatherings or smaller households with partners and children. But social time, even positive time with loved ones, can be demanding. Gift buying, travel, disruptions to normal routines, hosting or simply the general sensory rush of the holiday season can all build up and drain us. When asked which feelings they associate with the season, people most often chose words related to love and togetherness, but a large proportion of people in our survey also chose calm and relaxation. This suggests people expect both connection and rest. Brief moments of solitude can help balance it all out.