Can we normalise wanting to spend the holidays alone

I've been studying abroad for a while now, and this year, I really don’t feel like going home for the holidays. I don’t want to spend it with anyone else—I want to spend it alone.

The last 3 years, I’ve either spent the holidays back home, or with friends or family who live nearby. But this year, I want to spend it with just me, myself, and I. I want to cook myself a special meal, binge-watch my favorite shows, and listen to music all day long. That’s my Christmas tradition, and I love it.

But whenever I tell someone I’m spending the holidays alone, they pity me. When I try to explain, they either don’t get it or guilt for not spending it with family or friends. I’m tired of justifying my choice.

I’m an introvert. I love my own company. Spending time with myself. Choosing to spend the holidays alone doesn’t mean I don’t love my family—I do, with all my heart. But sometimes, I just need space.

So, to my fellow introverts: If you want to spend the holidays alone, you have every right to. And to the friends and families of introverts if your passing by: Please respect their need for alone time. It’s not a rejection of you; they just want their alone time.

Happy holidays everyone !