It’s that time of year (look how fast the year has went), when our televisions are filled with holiday specials and classic favorites. For many of these shows, we will watch gathered around the television with our families or, if single, cuddled (alone) on the couch under a warm fleece blanket with our favorite comfort snack.
One such favorite that comes to mind, is the beloved classic, The Wizard of Oz.
Unlisted
The Wizard of Oz debuted, in movie theaters, in 1939. The film follows Dorothy Gale who lives on a farm in Kansas with her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry. Dorothy dreams of a better place, other than the daily life on a farm, that must exist, “somewhere over the rainbow.” After being struck unconscious during a tornado, Dorothy dreams that she, her dog Toto and the farmhouse are transported to the magical Land of Oz. Once there, Dorothy wishes for only one thing, home.
Dorothy meets the Munchkins and Glinda (the Good Witch of the North), and they suggested that she follow the yellow brick road to the Emerald City to meet the Wizard of Oz, who would help Dorothy get home. During her journey, she meets a scarecrow looking for a brain, a tin man in need of a heart, and a lion desperate for courage. Along the way, they are chased by the wicked witch of the West as she attempts to get her sister’s ruby slippers (one of our favorite things in the movie) from Dorothy. In the end, Dorothy found out that all she had to do was click her heels three times and she would find herself home again.
Then, with a heart filled with love and hope, Dorothy clicked her ruby heels three times and found herself at home surrounded by the ones she loved.
Valentino
Why do we love this movie? Besides, the songs, the magic, and the ruby slippers . . .
It’s appeal is based in the understanding of wanting to venture out and explore the world beyond your backyard. It is the excitement when one steps out on your own to find new places, people and experiences awaiting you. It is the longing inside of us all, to always have the opportunity to come home, to the ones we love, especially for the holidays.
There is no place like home for the Holidays.
Unfortunately, for many women, no matter how gorgeous the red shoes are on their feet or how many times they click their heels, the wish for home will go unfilled this year.
Jessica Simpson
Reasons for not going home:
Reason #1 – the dreaded W – work. Yes I know it’s taboo to even think about working over a holiday break that is designed specifically for giving thanks and celebrating the things you hold dear – like friends and family – but there are plenty of us who have to work over the holiday break or travel away from home for work during the time.
Reason #2 – money. Fairly self-explanatory, whether its trains, planes or automobiles, getting home can be costly this year, especially amidst frozen wages or unemployment and competing bills and other costs.
Reason #3 – that which was once known as home, no longer exists. They say home is where the heart is, and if that is the case, we can sometimes find ourselves in a situation where our heart (which the 5 Heartbeats said is the house for love) becomes homeless. It may be the result of a heart-wrenching break-up or divorce or it maybe the sudden but impactful loss of a loved one who was the foundation of such a home for yourself and family. Likewise, it maybe the result of the gradual erosion or drifting apart of close family and friends whose close-knittedness once served as the nucleus for what you considered home but exists no more. So this year, you may find yourself starting over or in a re-building stage as you start out on a new chapter of your life and make room for new friends or try to re-establish connections with those who may have drifted apart.
BCBG
We understand being alone sucks, but it doesn’t have to and you should feel empowered to make your holiday memorable for you on your own terms. Accordingly, here are a few tips that may help and always remember that even if you are alone, you aren’t really all alone because there are other women out there who may find themselves by themselves this holiday either by choice or circumstance.
Tips for spending the Holidays alone and away from family:
* Regenerate, Recharge and Relax. Do nothing except rest and breathe easy. Use the quiet time to catch-up on much needed sleep, sit back and read that book you have been hearing so much about, or rent a DVD and watch a movie.
* Go on a date (with yourself): What a good excuse to buy a pair of high heels or put on a pair you haven’t had a reason to wear. Take yourself to see a movie or treat yourself to dinner. As a matter- of-fact, why not do both. If you are low on funds or want something more Holiday-oriented, search your local newspaper for cultural events or a holiday craft show. Many of these events are free or low cost and holiday crafts shows can give you a way to shop for family and friends without spending too much money while also finding unique and fun presents.
Jeffrey Campbell
* Volunteer: Sadly, there are numerous rest homes filled with residents who do not have family to visit them during the holidays. If you don’t know how to arrange a visit, look for a local volunteer agency or visit the Holiday Project.
* Treat Yourself: A new pair of heels and a handbag to match. How about that cute little scarf you saw in that cute little boutique? A novel from your favorite author or one from a new and upcoming one? The key is to not over spend. While you want to treat yourself, you don’t want to later find yourself lamenting over your financial state of affairs. You don’t have to spend a large amount of money to treat yourself. For a simple treat, buy a bottle of bubbles and relax in a soothing bubble bath.
* Make your own Merriment: Just because you are alone doesn’t mean you can’t decorate and celebrate. Put up a small tree, lights in the window, and a wreath on the door. When you are wrapping gifts to mail to family, wrap a few of the treats you brought yourself and set them under the tree. Make yourself a dinner with all the trimmings. Pull out the fine china, crystal, sliver, and linens and use them. You are entertaining a very important person . . .yourself.
* Connect: If you have family that you can not spend the holidays with, you can still connect through technology. Get on the phone in the morning to wish them happy holidays and in the evening to hear all the details of the day.
Turn on the web cam. With the internet you can still watch as present are opened and laughter is exchanged.
Nine West
How ever and which ever way you decide to spend this Holiday season, we hope that you have a joyous and happy one.
Also, for tips on dealing with stress this holiday season (whether alone or spending time with family) see the article: Happy Less Stress Holiday.
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