I'm spending most of Christmas alone and I don't think I am as brave as I am making out to be"

[Nothavingfunrightnow]

DS will be with me in the morning then Ex will be round for opening of presents. DS will then leave with Ex to have lunch at his aunt's. So I won't be totally alone all day!

I think I will be fine. I reckon I will be, but I am scared I am going to have big wobble! I recently started seeing someone but it is far too early for us to spend Christmas together as he will be with his brother and entire extended family.

So, it will be me and my tv on Christmas day. How have others coped? How sad would I be to buy ready meal Xmas dinner for one??

I have had one invite out for lunch, but I declined so I suppose that is some consolation!

[Doesntfitthemould]

Will your son be home later in the day?
There is so much pressure to have the traditional xmas day. Screw it i say!
My dc and i will be in pjs and having fish pie for dinner.
Could you see new man for an hour ?

[Cary2012]

I think you'll be fine too.

It is just a day, remember that. If I was you, I would do Christmas dinner for you and DS a few days after Christmas. Then you can have your own Christmas dinner with him, with crackers etc.

On the day itself I'd just watch TV, drink fizz and soak in a lovely bubble bath, put pjs on, and eat my favourite food. Watch tv, stuff myself with a box of Lindor! So, just indulge and please yourself.

It sounds as if you have much to look forward too. Don't get het up about the idea of loads of people having fun without you. Many will be frazzled and tired and dealing with family dynamics and would probably envy you!

See it as a chance to be selish and spoil yourself.
x

[BumDNC]

I'm relieved! Peace and quiet and TV? I'm not sure what there is to feel sad about... (feel like I may be alone on this)

[RFHrules]

Relax, eat, drink ...think about your nice new man. :-)

Could he meet you for a couple of hours in the evening?

Could you visit the person who invited you to eat with them for a couple of hours before lunch? You could go there as soon as your ex leaves.

[Lilaclily]

I think new man if he's got any sense and is as nice as you say will be round at 8pm with wine nibbles and enthusiasm

[Wolfiefan]

Make a plan! Get a DVD or indulge in a box set. Buy a good book. Or candles, a bath and a face mask. Have a glass of bubbly and Christmas music on?
Treat yourself. It's only a few hours.

[RedMapleLeaf]

For me, I'd take comfort in having a plan. So, thinking about what would make a lovely evening for one and then making sure I had all the necessary ingredients. One thing that really worked for me when I was single, was taking as much time and thought over having a date with "myself" as I would with a man. Similarly, preparing things for myself as I would prepare for someone I loved.

Hot bath, pjs, chocolate, curry and a good book.

The fear of a wobble is a lot worse than having a wobble. So make a plan for what you'll do if you feel like a bit of a cry.

[Nothavingfunrightnow]

Thank you, everyone!

I definitely will not be seeing New Man tomorrow. He is an hour away and will be with his son who is still v young and whom I have not yet met. Too early for that!

I will be indulging in a box set or a few movies and have bought myself some wool to do some knitting, which i love doing it.

Oddly enough, I am in a better frame of mind about this today than I was previously.

Thanks for all the support. Thank fuck for Mumsnet

[Kittysmitten]

Hope you are having a good day. Often days just having time for yourself are surprisingly enjoyable - a day when you can just please yourself!

[Nothavingfunrightnow]

Thanks for all the support! I survived - no tears, no drama, no family fights but I would rather not spend Xmas alone again!