As December rolls in, the world seems to be buzzing with holiday cheer, family gatherings, and social festivities. But for some, this season can feel like standing outside, looking into brightly lit windows where picture-perfect moments are unfolding.

In my experience, both professionally, and personally, Christmas can be …

A reminder of what once was

Longing for family far away or those with whom we’ve lost connection

Missing old traditions and friendships

But, it can also be…

A time of year filled with community gatherings

Where you get to connect with people you see once a year

A time to reflect & a time of solitude

If any of these sound familiar, navigating grief, loneliness, joy, connection or whatever your perfect mix of sadness, pain, and happiness is for you, know that I see you, and you are less alone than you think.

My experience with December and Christmas up until I moved to BC was always filled with big family gatherings, traditions, my mom’s cooking, and all my favorite humans under one roof.

Then, when I moved to BC, all of a sudden my closest family member was 5,000 kms away. While I was excited to build new traditions, I’d be lying if I didn’t (and still do) feel like I’m missing something during December, specifically December 23rd (Tibb’s Eve) December 26th (Cold Plate Day); two incredible Newfoundland and family traditions.

Loneliness and the fear of missing out often tempt us to retreat, but small, intentional steps toward connection can make a big difference. Nature can be a powerful ally in bridging the gap between isolation and togetherness. Here are some ways to foster connection, both with others and with the world around you:

Take a moment during a walk to pause and send a thoughtful text or voice message. Whether it’s a note of gratitude or a simple “thinking of you,” the act of reaching out, paired with calming nature, can feel grounding and meaningful.

Instead of meeting indoors, invite friends for a walk, a hike, or even a warm drink around an outdoor firepit. Sharing time outside not only strengthens connections but also helps everyone feel refreshed and connected to the natural world.

If loved ones are far away, try video-calling them from a peaceful favorite outdoor location—a forest, a trail, a park, or your backyard. Let them see a bit of your surroundings as you talk, bringing a sense of shared experience despite the distance. A step further is to ask them to facetime from your favorite spot from home.

Reflect on what feels missing for you this season, and use that awareness to create new December traditions. If you’re longing for family rituals, consider a nature-inspired replacement: gather greenery for a wreath, light candles under the stars, or enjoy a favorite meal outside, bundled up for the season.

For me, being away from family during the holidays has led to creating new traditions that feel just as meaningful. On Tibb’s Eve (December 23), when I can’t join my family, I make sure to plan something outdoors with friends. Whether it’s a winter hike or a cozy gathering by a fire, these moments remind me of the love and connection that surrounds me, even from afar.

Loneliness is a natural feeling, but it doesn’t have to define your December. By reaching out to others and letting nature play a role in your connections, you can nurture a sense of belonging that feels grounding and genuine.

Love,

Julia