People on their own for Xmas

[coccinelle]

For the first time in my entire life I'm 'on my own' this Xmas but will be spending it with my sister and family. What do other people do as I can't see myself going to my sister's every year? I'm thinking Salvation Army, Red Cross, why not a holiday ... what do you ABers, who are on their own, do at this time of year? Saying this I will be on my own for New Year, but that won't be a problem really....

[Barmaid]

One year I was on my own, I bought lots of lovely M&S food, some decent wine and shut myself in the house for several days with the cats and constant re-runs of Sharpe. I couldn't do it every year though. I was planning a cruise for Christmas 2009, but by then I had met my FH.

[boxtops]

Coccinelle, when I was on my own I really enjoyed it - yes I thought of Christmases past, but I could choose what I wanted to do, and be peaceful, and not under any pressure. My mum and sister came round at teatime, that was very welcome, but I could do it as I wanted to. As you say there are plenty of places which would welcome your input - homes for adults and children, soup kitchens, etc. I have indeed been away over Christmas too - I went with friends to the Middle East where there was not a Christmas tree in sight, and that too was enjoyable.
I think it's important that other people don't hassle you that you mustn't be alone, some people are paranoid about keeping company with you - if you have come to enjoy your own company, you can make space for yourself too. I wish you - whatever you do - a very peaceful and happy Christmas ♥

[bibblebub]

I just treat it like any other day, except that everywhere is shut and the usual rubbish that is on tv is replaced by seasonal rubbish tv.

[ummmm]

My Grandad spends it on his own. We'll all go and see him in the morning/lunch time and then leave him to it.

He has us jumping through hoops most days...so Christmas day is our day off. Not that he cares about Christmas.

[cazzz1975]

I am jealous!, the opportunity to do whatever you want, eat/drink/watch whatever you want, sleep in late :/

[slinky.kate]

i will be spending it alone but that is through choice,my sons girlfriends parents invited us but i dont want to go as i dont feel comfortable when i eat,my arm has spasms and i might throw the dinner at them(ha ha)i can please myself with a wee m&s

[4getmenot]

I was on my own for years, always went to mums, now I'm with someone I'm still with all the family down the pub :-) Where I work we provide care for people in their home and before xmas each person is sent a list to sign saying what visits they will not need over xmas and it amazes me how many still need all their care xmas day because they have no-where to go :-( so sad

[boxtops]

That's sad prudie - makes you wonder if some ask for a visit because otherwise they won't see anyone all day....

[4getmenot]

prudie!! I'll let you off for that one, just this time mind....
They have to have the visits for their personal care anyway, but you'd think most would have family that would visit them that day.

[craft1948]

I'm on my own this Xmas and am quite happy about that.....I can do what I want, when I want and generally spoil myself. In past years I've been in the Caribbean which was also quite nice :-)

[pastafreak]

I'm on my own for the first time ever this year,and have decided to do as BM did.......no roast dinner,but lots of food I can pick at...good wine...chocs...and some sort of scrummy dessert.

[welshlibranr]

I would go on holiday personally, wouldn't cope well with being alone......even though I could have yummy food etc..............I'd still prefer to just go away!.........

[hc4361]

It's your choice how you deal with it.
You can wallow in your aloneness and be utterly miserable.
Or you can plan a complete 'pamper me' day. Phone off the hook, favourite foods and drink, tv, books, computer games, take a long bath, a long walk, a long drive - indulge your guilty pleasures and totally enjoy a day that is entirely 'just for you'.
Or you can try a bit of exicitement - a holiday abroad where Christmas isn't celebrated, or a hotel break in the UK where you can celebrate Christmas with other people. A coach trip perhaps.

The world really is your oyster.

[Jemisa]

My hairdresser and her husband are both orphans so have no family also they have no kids of their own. So they do volunteer work. Dish the Dinners up at a London Hostel (for Down & Outs) help organise sleep overs ect. They go somewhere different every year and say they have a brilliant time. (with food)
For anyone wanting to get involved with this sort of thing I think there is a web-site.

jem

[askyourgran]

My sister in law is spending the day on her own, through choice. She has a lovely family and grandchildren, and she would be welcome to spend the day with us or any of her brothers and sisters, but she wants to be able to do her own thing watch tv, eat and do whatever she wants to.

[zzxxee]

damax sorry to hear about your past experiences makes me sad :( x

[boxtops]

That's a pile of sad things damax, not surprised you were down - but you say you'll have your little one with you this Christmas, hopefully the wonder of a child's Christmas will help this year.

i apologise to 4get for calling her prudie last night 20.59 (no offence to prudie, either!) - all I can say in my defence is that I was very tired.... oops♥

[NoMercy]

I spent a couple of xmases on my own and on the eve of the millenium, was in bed at 9pm (again, on my own) :-(

[coccinelle]

Thanks for all your replies and so glad damax that things are better now. I didn't realise how many ABers and family members do spend Xmas on their own so that's a comfort in one way. I suppose when next Xmas comes around I'll be a bit less muddly and know what I feel like doing. Thanks for your answers.