The last few years, the festive season hasn’t had the same feeling to it (Picture: Almara Abgarian)
I’m lying on a beach in Vietnam, the ocean stretching out in front of me, with not a twinkly light or snowman in sight.
My apologies to anyone sitting in a cold living room waiting for Father Christmas to get his act together.
But just because I’m not wedged on a sofa between various family members with a mulled wine and mince pie in hand, doesn’t mean I’m a Grinch – on the contrary, I love Christmas, I always have.
I grew up in a small town where everything pretty much shuts down for the holidays, and my parents always hosted the annual dinner for the extended family.
I still vividly remember the joy I felt as a child, helping my dad string the lights up outside, sneaking treats from the kitchen and trying to avoid getting pummelled with snowballs by my siblings and cousins.
Once I was older, the fun continued in a different way.
I was given the coveted role of Santa Claus to surprise my nieces and nephews, putting on the full get-up to play the part including stuffing a huge pillow under the big red jacket.
Once I was older, the fun continued in a different way (Picture: Almara Abgarian)
My sister and mum could barely contain their laughter as I stumbled out the garage, up the stairs and knocked on the door to surprise the kids. Once the little ones were asleep, I stayed up with the other adults to drink whiskey, eat chocolate and play bingo.
But the last few years, the festive season hasn’t had the same feeling to it.
Family tensions, divorces and people moving away – myself included – means it’s not the big get-together it used to be.
Add to that global issues like the depressing economy and things don’t feel all that jolly.
As an example, going home for the holidays costs upwards of £500 for the flight, presents and activities. My family is worth every penny but the rising bills are sucking the joy out of the planning.
There just seems to be a depressing feeling in the air, with every conversation starting with ‘have you heard about this latest horrible thing’.
So, a few months ago, I decided it was time to flip the narrative.
And that’s why I find myself alone in Vietnam this December.
It is both exhilarating and terrifying to travel alone, but I get a kick out of that fear (Picture: Almara Abgarian)
I’d first been discussing travelling to Southeast Asia with an ex but then we split up.
My life was feeling stagnant and needed a boost. So when a friend dared me to book the trip anyway, saying he didn’t think I’d do it, I decided, why not?
After all, it’s not like I haven’t travelled solo before. I’ve actually done it many times.
I’ve spent a year in Australia, moved to New York City on a whim and have gone on city breaks to Florence, Rome, Paris and Thessaloniki by myself.
It is both exhilarating and terrifying to travel alone, but I get a kick out of that fear.
I don’t have a safety net – it’s just me, myself and I – and there’s a certain satisfaction in taking charge of your life.
Besides, I’m 34 and most of my friends have long-term partners, children or are saving for big purchases that take priority over travel.
We all have our own path but I won’t put my adventures on hold just because I’m single.
I consider myself incredibly lucky to be able to afford this trip but I’ve also worked overtime and saved for months to make it happen.
We all have our own path but I won’t put my adventures on hold just because I’m single (Picture: Almara Abgarian)
So far, it’s been an incredible decision.
I arrived in the capital, Hanoi, earlier this week and have already been on a two-day cruise around Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO Heritage site, explored a cave and secret beach, and eaten the best Banh Mi of my life.
The best part about Vietnam is that no one is judging me for sitting alone at a bar or restaurant, because there are plenty of other people doing the same thing.
I’m currently in a coastal city called Hoi An and this morning, I’m taking a class on how to make traditional Vietnamese egg coffee.
Tonight, I’m staying at a party hostel – something I haven’t done since I was in my 20s – that offers free beer and foam parties.
Though, while I’m all for adventure, I’m staying in a private room because I like my sleep.
And I’m treating myself to a five-star hotel stay for Boxing Day (which is obscenely cheap over here) before I embark on a 5am sunrise tour to My Son Sanctuary, a cluster of ancient abandoned temples.
While I like my own company, I’ll admit there have been a few lonely and awkward moments – but these are fleeting.
I’ve eaten the best Banh Mi of my life (Picture: Almara Abgarian)
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And I’ve already made new friends. The second night of my trip, I got drunk with a bunch of strangers and laughed so much my cheeks hurt.
I’ve also caught up for dinner with an old pal from the UK, who randomly happened to be in the same city.
She’s travelling alone too; we shared our adventures over a bowl of noodles.
As for Christmas, I don’t really miss it because I’m too busy trying new things to give it much thought.
I do miss my family though, but I’m checking in with my mum regularly and will video call her on the day.
I’ll be learning how to make Vietnamese egg coffee (Picture: Almara Abgarian)
And when I return to the UK – in the morning on New Year’s Eve, just in time to spend it with my best friend – my solo adventures won’t stop here.
I’m booking a flight to Bordeaux in March and am researching a trip to Finland because they love saunas and I do too. Then, once I’ve got my driver’s licence, I plan to rent a van to tour Iceland.
If a partner or friend happens to join me, I’ll happily accept their company. But I’m determined to get good use out of my new backpacking rucksack regardless.
As for next Christmas, who knows?
Father Christmas visits every corner of the globe. There’s no reason I can’t do the same.
Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing jess.austin@metro.co.uk.
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No one is judging me for sitting alone at a bar or restaurant, because there are plenty of other people doing the same thing.