Alone at Christmas.

I think its also worth remembering that being alone means no juggling, no walking on eggshells, no trying to please anyone else, accommodating fussy eaters, or trying to keep the peace.
Every cloud does have a silver lining, I suppose.

So sorry for all of you recently bereaved ....difficult at any time of year, but especially so when you see everyone else enjoying themselves ! I have spent a few Christmasses alone ....have to say I DID enjoy them ....did what I wanted when I wanted ...but a I was in full time work then, the break was lovely ! My brother looked forward to Christmas day .....he worked long hours up in Newcastle and he spent his day in bed which was a luxury he loved and never normally got to do ! My dad, on the other hand, was alone and told me, his neighbours, the lunch club et al, that he was going out for Christmas day ......just so he could stay on his own !

Here in the little French commune where I live, Christmas day is like any other ......Christmas Eve is the big family get together ....even had a workman turn up one Christmas day to finish laying the paving round the house ! the paper shop, bakers and small supermarket will be open for the morning ....no Boxing day here, so its back to normal immediately ...NY day is a holiday

I think if it bothered me, I would volunteer ...or look for
a group to have the day with ...what about your local Church ...or maybe Age Concern have a list of things happening for people who prefer company ...I think far too much is made of spending it with others .....which must only make those who are feeling lonely, feel worse !

Have a few plans .....I hope your day goes well !

I had Christmas Day alone when I was first divorced but I thoroughly enjoyed the peace and quiet and a bit of self indulgent eating and TV watching. In fact some of my married friends were quite envious!

I was feeling a bit down in the dumps thinking of Christmas because my DD always goes away over Christmas and New Year and we don’t get to see our only grandchild. However on reading this thread I realise how fortunate I am and have given myself a kick up the backside because I have so much to be grateful for. My heart goes out to those who have lost loved ones and are feeling so lonely

I’ve always secretly wanted to spend a Christmas on my own so I’m actually a bit envious. Plan your day and enjoy

I remember an episode of Poirot where he was supposed to be spending Christmas alone. He was looking forward to it and bought some expensive Belgian chocolates to enjoy.

Like lots of folk here have suggested, spoil yourself rotten and do exactly what you want to do. Warm, cosy, well fed and watching a box set on tv with your feet up.

All the very best to you !

I had Christmas on my own once, and it was a great empowering experience. Did what I wanted and felt the Christmas spirit in a different way. You’ve nothing to fear! I’ve never done it on my own since but if I had to I’d be happy to.

There are many Christmas Dinners arranged for people who have nowhere else to go. I'll be going to one organised by the Food Bank this year. Last year they catered for 400 people.

I've also been invited to a house party and dinner on the 22nd. The man who invited me has a hot tub so I'll take my bikini.

Our town is hosting a Christmas Dinner, at lunchtime on Christmas Day specifically for those who will be alone at Christmas. It’s been well advertised on local radio and in local shops.

While it might not be everyone’s cup of tea it was a ‘sell out’ last year. I’m full of admiration for those who are giving up their time, especially on a Christmas morning, to set this up and do all the cooking,

PS this is not for the homeless. There is a nearby shelter that will offer a meal for them.

I had a friend who would buy a beautiful box of the best chocolates he could afford, find a good book he'd been meaning to read all year (or a box set might be equally good), prepare food the day before that he could just dip into and then spend the whole day rejoicing his good luck.

I hope you indulge yourself and find joy in all the things around you.

Grannymary Like you I don't come on as often as many and post even less. I am so sad for you, the funeral hanging over your Christmas but I doubt it would be any better even if it was over. You will find a way through, somehow as people keep telling me it gets easier over time.

MissA I will share your pain.

Vanatic Having read through all the post I don't think there is much I can add. I am assuming that as you have posted this you would prefer not to be alone so can only suggest what others have said, see if there is a lunch for lonely people locally and join in, either as a helper or one of those being fed.

There is an assumption that everyone enjoys Christmas, I always have but this year it will be so painful I think we will just endure it for the sake of DS, DiL and DiL's mum. Have to get through tomorrow first, it would have been DS's birthday and he would have been here with us.

Hello Vanatic, , I was alone last Christmas Day and will be this Christmas too. I think the best way is to pretend its just another day although I went to Midnight Service on Christmas eve so slept late, then I went up to the allotment I share with my son in law and pottered about. Are you meeting up with family on another day? I shall be and that will be my Christmas day. The main thing is not to feel sorry for yourself but be positive.

I have done alone once and was fine ( apart from midnight service ) just stayed in xmas pjs , grazed and drank and watched box sets . Last 3 years had my man friend here , kids live 3/4 hours away and do huge family things, I get invited ( and have done it in past when families were smaller and no ex around) but prefer a bit of quiet and also they never include man friend in invite . Hope everyone has contented day however it's spent x

Annie I share your pain. Will be thinking of you.

Vanatic I really feel for you. When you have happy memories of Christmas past it’s hard not to compare and want them again. There are lots of suggestions as to what you could do and Ibet when next year comes you will be able to offer advice to others... I too will be on here on Christmas Day for a chat....
Grannymary so sorry for your loss. I lost my father at Christmas when I was 15 years old. Bereavement is so hard any time. Sending you a big hug. Stay strong x

MawBroon Sorry, don't get on here to read all threads, is it recent that you lost Paw? So sorry that you will miss him but hope you can find joy in your family.

Just come to this thread so may post more as I read more. Venus I am so sorry for your loss, Christmas will be very hard for you but I hope you will be able to remember the good times and smile just a little bit.

Thank you tiredoldwoman

I think I'm going to be alone. A far cry from the Christmas I was looking forward to, in a country cottage with my daughter, grandchildren and dog. We were going to sit in the hot tub, stuffing our faces, and have a lovely time.

grannymary, I am so very sorry, there is not a positive thing I can think of to say , I send you hugs x

Big hug to Teddy111. Come and paint my hall with me .

I'm planning to paint my hall that day ! DD1 has a new boyfriend and I've been dumped and DD2 is angry at me for having spent so much money and time helping DD1 !
Painting my hall , with homemade soup on the hob and a chicken in the oven sounds good to me ! I'm rather looking forward to it !

Go on line to see if the Over 50 Meet Up Group is in your area. I noticed several ladies in your situation are meeting for a restaurant meal on Xmas Day together.
I think if it was me I would go away with one of the Singles holiday firms, Saga, Just You etc some trips are abroad, some in England.

GrannyMary, and others who have been bereaved recently