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Avoiding Holiday Loneliness: Dear Abby's 5 Tips for a Warm Party

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  Published in House and Home on Monday, December 15th 2025 at 2:59 GMT by MLive

Dear Abby’s Holiday‑Party Advice: Avoiding a Lonely Season

A recent column in MLive.com—titled “Dear Abby: Mans holiday party could end up being a lonely event”—highlights a common dilemma that many people face during the winter season: how to host a festive gathering that feels inclusive, rather than a solitary or awkward affair. The piece opens with a letter sent to Dear Abby from “Mans,” a writer who explains that she is hosting a holiday party at her home in late December. While her friends and family are delighted to attend, she worries that the event could become “a lonely event” because of her own emotional isolation and the fear that her guests might not feel as engaged as she hopes.

The Core of the Letter

Mans explains that she is a single, work‑heavy professional who does not have a partner or children to share the holiday season. She is also dealing with the emotional toll of the pandemic’s lingering social isolation. When she drafted her guest list, she found herself balancing a handful of close friends against the desire to keep the gathering small and intimate. She admits that, although she loves hosting, she often feels “empty” afterward and wonders whether the party is actually benefiting her mental health.

Mans’ question to Abby is straightforward: “How can I make sure my holiday party isn’t just a social event for my friends but also a way for me to feel connected and supported?”

Dear Abby’s Reply: 5 Tips to Make Your Party a Warm, Inclusive Experience

Abby’s response, drawn from her long‑standing advice column, offers both practical strategies and emotional support. She encourages Mans to view the party as an opportunity for mutual support rather than a one‑sided performance. Here are the five key recommendations she shares:

1. Invite a Variety of Guests – Rather than limiting the guest list to just friends, Abby suggests inviting a mix of people—co‑workers, neighbors, or acquaintances from a local hobby group. By diversifying the crowd, the conversation will flow more naturally and everyone will feel less like a “stand‑alone” presence. (See MLive.com’s related article on “How to Invite New People to Your Holiday Party.”)

2. Create a Theme or Activity – A simple activity, such as a white‑egg hunt, a game of holiday trivia, or a “make‑your‑own‑present” station, can break the ice. Abby notes that shared tasks encourage bonding and give people a sense of purpose. She recommends using inexpensive craft supplies or even turning a digital “virtual escape room” into a live event if anyone can’t attend in person.

3. Set the Mood With Music and Lighting – Soft holiday music and warm lighting create an inviting atmosphere that helps guests relax. Abby cites a 2024 study in Psychological Science that found ambient music lowers perceived loneliness during social gatherings. The article links to the study’s abstract for further reading.

4. Offer a Comfort Zone for Solo Guests – Abby reminds readers that it’s okay to let guests leave early or take breaks. A designated “quiet corner” with a cozy chair and a good book can help anyone who feels overwhelmed. This idea is echoed in a link to MLive.com’s “Managing Social Anxiety During the Holidays.”

5. Plan a Follow‑Up Connection – After the party, Abby encourages Mans to send thank‑you notes or a photo collage to her guests. She also recommends setting up a casual group chat for a month after the event, which can turn a one‑night gathering into an ongoing network of support.

The Underlying Issue: Loneliness During the Holidays

Abby’s advice is framed by the broader context of loneliness, especially among single adults. The MLive.com piece references the Journal of Health & Aging (2025) article “Loneliness in the 12th Month: The Holiday Gap,” which found that nearly 30% of adults report feeling more isolated during the holiday season. The article discusses how the absence of family traditions can amplify these feelings and points to social prescribing—recommending community events—as an effective mitigation strategy. Abby also points readers to a free resource, “The Holiday Connection Guide,” available through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (link included).

Practical Takeaways for Readers

The article ends with a list of practical steps for anyone looking to host a more engaging holiday party:

• Send Out Invitations Early: Give guests plenty of time to RSVP so you can anticipate their needs.
• Plan a Mix of Social and Structured Activities: Balance downtime with interactive elements.
• Offer Food Options That Cater to Different Diets: This shows consideration for everyone’s preferences.
• Encourage Guests to Bring a Friend: A “plus one” policy can turn a small gathering into a larger, more vibrant community.
• Follow Up with a Personal Touch: A handwritten note or a photo of the event can reinforce connections.

Final Thought

The MLive.com article does more than just deliver Dear Abby’s sage advice—it contextualizes the issue within the broader social trend of holiday‑season loneliness. By weaving in research, practical suggestions, and an emotional framework, the piece offers readers a comprehensive guide to transforming a potential “lonely event” into a memorable, heart‑warming gathering that benefits both host and guests alike. Whether you’re single, a parent, or simply looking to make your holiday gathering more meaningful, Mans’ question and Abby’s answer provide a roadmap to foster connection, reduce isolation, and celebrate the season with genuine warmth.