Lonely this Christmas....

[MustangLady]

I split up with my partner few months ago and will be on my own this Christmas. I'll be spending the actual day with my mum, siblings and their families for a meal on Christmas Day (afternoon) ... but it won't feel the same when i'm on my own first thing in the morning and the days that follow on from that. I'm thinking of going away for a few days between Christmas and New Year as I'll be off work that week and will be at a loss. Any ideas? somewhere not expensive as i'm only on a low wage, but preferably somewhere sunny to cheer me up, don't forget i'll be on my own (all my friends have partners and families), so somewhere a singlet won't have to pay too much in a supplement.

[coccinelle]

What about Tenerife or another of the Canary Islands. It's still warm in December, a lot quieter and not expensive. As I always say check up on tripadvisor before you book or to get great tips and you won't be disappointed. HTH

[Tups]

I wonder whether you will actually feel any better on your own abroad? My suspicion is that you will feel just as lonely wherever you are. Why not offer your services to people who work with the homeless around that time of year? I think if I was on my own I might find comfort in helping those who are much less fortunate than myself. It could give you a real boost to know you are giving comfort to others. Just a thought. But I really don't think running away to warmer climes will make you feel less lonely.

[joannie10]

I am single but definitely would not describe myself as on my own. Yes I do have some single friends too but the people I will spend Christmas and New Year with are family and friends who all actually have partners/family. It may feel a bit strange if this is your first year on your own but certainly I do not find it a lonely time. My best friend and her husband always have me round on christmas eve for food and Champers. I always make sure I leave before midnight so that they can start christmas on their own but by then I am ready for bed anyway. I get up on Christmas morning and then at my own pace am able to head off to spend the rest of the day with my family. I tend to stay over at my parents that night even though they are local and then am around the family on boxing day too. I cannot really advise you on where to go to spend new year but if you are fortunate enough to have friends like me they will be more than happy to have you around - rarely do I find people doing things on their own (ie just as a couple) at that time. Just make the most of it and try to be happy x

[CHOPSUEY]

My bed's always warm this time of year, and there's no supplement to pay!

[MustangLady]

Thank you all very much for your replies.

TUPS: I will look up what's around locally that might need extra pair of hands over the Xmas/NY (I never thought of that!). Think that might fulfill my empty time too and keep someone else happy.

JOANNIE: Thank you for your encouraging words, this is my first year 'single' for 18 yrs .. felt a bit lost and trying to plan my time so that I don't feel low at that time. Yes I do have many family and friends who have invited me over, but felt that they were just trying to be 'nice', but I felt that I would be imposing on them. So thought that getting away from it all would be the answer, maybe it isn't the answer though.

CHOPSUEY: What can i say... other than what a generous offer!

[MustangLady]

COCCINELLE: thank you for your reply, somewhere warm is what I need..... but now considering the thought of helping a charity or of sort (as suggested by Tups). Might still take in a few days away towards end of my Xmas time off, might need it by then. Thank you again.

[terambulan]

Am sure nephews & neices will appreciate having you around....and you opportunity to be 'their favorite aunt'. Invest in your extended family.

[kitesurfer]

come to vietnam withe me. I am going alone

[Prudentia]

I was left on my own at christmas time a few years ago, I took myself off to the shops and bought a load of little inexpensive presents, enjoyed the best part of a whole day wrapping them in christmas paper and took them all down to the local childrens home, my reception by staff and little ones was beyond belief, I was on a high for at least a week, i still have the photo's, a little boy in his new cowboy hat, a couple of little girls swapping little dollies, you will find the staff are so grateful for a litlle of you time, the memory will live with you forever, go for it, you will never look back, love, Prudentia

[MustangLady]

Terambulan: I hv a few young nieces&nephew who i will be seeing them on Xmas day and I will enjoy every minute of their company for that day.

Kitesurfer: thank you for the offer, but vietnam really aint my thing. I hope you find someone to take you up on that offer though.

Prudentia: What a wonderful idea.... ;-) I have no children of my own and know that the children in my family certainly never go short. I will look up the local children's home or hospital and speak with them to get permission for me to do this, I am sure they would be more than happy for any gifts as donations, but want to make sure it's done right. I'm going to have plenty of time on my hands over this week and sure I can find my time is more valuable to others than i realised. Thanks to Tups and you, both great ideas ... :-)