First Christmas alone

[Kittykat93]

I will have my 2 year old ds with me for the morning, but he will be with his dad for the rest of the day and night so will be on my own. No parents, friends all have plans with their own families.

I certainly won't be cooking a roast dinner just for myself, so what can I treat myself with? And how can I get through the day without spending the whole time drinking wine and crying?

I'm dreading it to be honest. Christmas always used to be a big family affair growing up. Never thought I'd be spending it alone and the thought is horrible. I'm aware I'm very lucky this is my first one alone as I know some people have to every year.

So yes. Am looking for ideas to make it enjoyable!

Are your friends aware that you haven’t got DS with you for most of the day? I would invite a friend to suffer my family’s Christmas Day in this situation.

Aside from that, if I was on my own I know I would still want to eat something nice and probably would go to the bother of making a little roast with a small beef joint or similar (with leftovers for Boxing Day).

I’d plan my day to include a walk (you can do a Non pushchair friendly walk!), a really good film and nice nibbles and wine with the Radio Times Christmas Crossword or similar.

I would actually let any close friends know how apprehensive you are feeling. It’s totally understandable. If a friend was in that situation I would invite them to join us for any part of the day that works for them...... By putting things out there about how you’re feeling friends can understand and hopefully will extend invites your way. However if I did have to stay home alone I think I would go all out with lovely bath, movies and non Christmas dinner but something yummy.

all the lovely food only you enjoy, some nice treats and netflix all day! sounds like bliss... enjoy!

I have been similar situation before I met DH, first year I was divorced from ExH and kids were with him for Christmas. I went to family in Christmas Day but it wasn’t fun, everyone either giving me their pity or going on about what a shame it was the kids weren’t able to be there. So I buggered off home as soon as I could on Boxing Day, spent the day being lazy just me and the dog and had pizza and wine for dinner. Next day took down the decorations and that was it.

I’m sure someone will suggest doing some volunteering or some good deed once your child has gone to their other parent.

Why not see if there's a homeless/refugee/older people project you can volunteer at. There's a few in my city and they are in need of people who can cook, but also those willing to come a bit later and talk to the participants and wash up. The homeless one here runs for 3 days so they are currently asking for people who can sing and play guitar etc as well as practical help. It's not the same as you will have wished for but keeping busy helps. Alternatively I suspect you aren't the only one in that situation locally posting on these boards ... maybe get together. My parents and brothers are invading me otherwise I would be in the same situation

You're not alone. You have your son for the morning (the present opening best bit!) You have a lot more than a lot of people who can be alone for the entire holiday.

If you were my friend, I would invite you over!

You can have a lazy day, buy yourself some very nice food that only needs to be put it in the oven, binge watch a few movies.

It depends what you like to do, I would go for a long run and chill the rest of the day. What do YOU like?