The holidays can be a really tough time. The advice I often heard was, "Volunteer at a soup kitchen. Help others. Get out of your head." It's perfectly fine advice, but unhelpful if the mere thought of interacting with people is overwhelming. Anyway, here's a thing I did one year that did help:

I bought a Cookie Monster costume, went to the airport, and waited at arrivals with a sign that said "COOKIE"

Didn't have to talk to anyone and boy did I get to watch people's faces light up.

@kims Ever since my stroke I've become more introverted. I can't handle crowds. The other day I walked into the AA meeting and there were maybe 15 people and I almost walked out. I sat by one of my 'safe people' and managed to survive the hour.

@pburke46 Glad you stuck it out. Hopefully it will be easier next time.

Getting older can be such fun!