It seems like everyone around me is in couples, families, surrounded by friends. Social networks are full of photos of happy faces, sparkling Christmas trees, shared dinners. And I’m sitting alone in my small apartment, watching the garlands twinkle outside the window, and thinking how all this has become my Christmas.

To be honest, loneliness during the holidays is especially acute. On ordinary days it can be unnoticeable or even comfortable. But when the whole world seems to have conspired to remind you that this is the time to be together, you become as if isolated from the general joy.

But I realized one important thing: loneliness is not a sentence. It is a temporary state. This is the time to understand yourself, your desires, your dreams. It gives you the opportunity to listen to your inner voice, which is so often drowned out by the hustle and bustle and other people's expectations.

I spend this evening differently. I lit candles, put on a movie I've been wanting to watch for a long time, made myself hot chocolate with marshmallows and wrapped myself in a soft blanket. Yes, I'm alone, but that doesn't mean I can't create a cozy and festive atmosphere for myself.

I wrote a list of gratitude for the past year. It wasn't easy, but it had room for joy and lessons that made me stronger. I made wishes. Even if they still seem distant, they contain a glimmer of hope that next year will be different.

If you also feel lonely on this day, know that you are not alone in your feelings. This is normal. Don't try to run away from these emotions, allow yourself to live them. Find something that brings you joy here and now — even if it’s a small thing, like a favorite book or a call to a close friend.

And most importantly, remember: being alone today does not determine your worth. It’s just a phase. Life is full of surprises, and who knows, maybe next year you’ll be hugging someone under the tree. Until then, take care of yourself. You deserve warmth, even if at this moment it’s only coming from a candle on your table.