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Is this a really pathetic Christmas?

228 replies

YellowRedBlueGreen · 24/09/2022 16:56

Very much in the "don't particularly like being alone but it never worked out so fuck it Plan B it is" category. Couple of failed relationships that really, really hurt but I'm genuinely not looking again and I consider myself "retired" at 38. I have been through a lot with various things but I'm capable and independent and trying to make the most of things so kind of past the moping stages. I just want a quiet, non dramatic life now. I do have a nice life in some other ways thankfully.

But Christmas in particular - with all the forced joy shoved down everyone's throat and happy families everywhere on cheesy adverts etc etc can be really hard as it is for a lot of people on their own or in other unhappy situations. The last two have been absolutely shit. I was never so glad to see January.

So this year I've decided to decline any invites (I would feel like the spare prick but I know friends mean well) piss off on my own altogether and just see it as a week off work. I've accepted Christmas Day I'm going to feel like shit whatever I do because it really is a punch in the face not to have Plan A and be able to do a nice dinner and wrap a present for a loving partner (especially when most people I know in real life have this!) but there are still six other days to enjoy. So I'm going to my favourite place in the UK. I will be taking long walks by the sea, watching all the happy dogs run on the beach. I'll really enjoy watching the rough waves at that time of year I've always wanted to be by the sea in the Winter. I'll do some beautiful cliff walks as I'm big on walking, I might even take my mountain bike and do some cycling. Feed the squirrels in the public gardens. I'll read a few books, drink some wine, cook some nice meals for myself and binge on a new series. Then after Boxing Day I'll hit the sales and maybe treat myself to a new leather jacket and a pair of decent jeans. If I'm feeling optimistic I might even throw in a game of bingo!

Do I sound like a right old sad sack of shit?!

OP posts:
crochetmonkey74 · 24/09/2022 20:15

I'd be tempted to get myself a really posh hamper and maybe a posh advent calendar but keep it all until Chris as

crochetmonkey74 · 24/09/2022 20:16

Ahh posted too soon.
Should say keep it all until Christmas day so you have some surprise presents

Keepingthingsinteresting · 24/09/2022 20:17

The perfect Christmas as far as I’m concerned OP- enjoy!

Ponderingwindow · 24/09/2022 20:18

I’ve done similar Christmas trips. They are quite rejuvenating. One thing I liked to do was book a really nice meal for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Good food always feels special and not having to do any work to make that food happen is my favorite.

crochetmonkey74 · 24/09/2022 20:20

Also , I've had a quiet Christmas at the seaside before and there were lots of people out for a stroll on Christmas afternoon. It was lovely to have people to smile at and exchange some words with

OneFrenchEgg · 24/09/2022 20:22

Thanks mate - brutal but I appreciate honesty x

Genuinely meant - we have to make the best of the hands we've been dealt. I think your choice to be alone outside and not sitting through a well intentioned invitation you won't enjoy is the right one. I hope the weather is decent for you.

Bordesleyhills · 24/09/2022 20:23

Good for you- spent years trapped by the older generation and their Christmas. Now it’s about my youngster who is 3 and his little sister who will be weeks old. It will be my parents, me and hubby. Good food and quiet. I refuse with a newborn to travel as I’m sure we are going to be pretty shattered. My son will love the wrapping paper and like last year picked one toy out and played and played with it all day- he got so much that I staggered the presents which was perfect. Enjoy- one of my friends is approaching 40 and it’s so good to see her happy , she does the single life with a dog and is content with her life and her choices. I married late at 36 having met hubby 12 months before- just before our 2nd anniversary we had my son. Worked perfectly for us…. However not everyone wants the same in life and that’s great.

DesdemonaThreethree · 24/09/2022 20:27

Gwenhwyfar · 24/09/2022 20:13

"Choices have consequences so I am unable to travel abroad without risk and I accept those consequences."

You should have got yourself vaccinated. Regardless, there are plenty of places you can travel to now without being vaccinated. What about the Canaries?

The OP shouldn't have got herself vaccinated. As she says, she made her choice and accepts the consequences. Her choice not to be vaccinated is not something anyone needs to comment on. It her choice and nobody else's business (and I am thrice vaccinated, lest anyone suspect me of being an anti-vaxxer).

cansu · 24/09/2022 20:28

Sounds great. I am seriously considering just forgetting the whole idea of it being special tbh. I don;t have the cash and I have a complicated family situation which means it can be a source of stress. I would like to make no fuss at all.
My intention is to buy a new book and spend the day reading.

wildthingsinthenight · 24/09/2022 20:30

This sounds heaven OP!
(Whitby??? My fave😊)
You'll have a wonderful time I'm sure. Nothing beats a blustery beach and massive waves on a Winters day.
I'd love it!

wildthingsinthenight · 24/09/2022 20:31

cansu · 24/09/2022 20:28

Sounds great. I am seriously considering just forgetting the whole idea of it being special tbh. I don;t have the cash and I have a complicated family situation which means it can be a source of stress. I would like to make no fuss at all.
My intention is to buy a new book and spend the day reading.

This also sounds lovely. I don't blame you

Travellingwomble · 24/09/2022 20:32

YellowRedBlueGreen · 24/09/2022 17:13

No mate, I'm definitely done with relationships. Someone telling me to try and fire one up now would be like giving me a pair of 5 inch heels and telling me to run the London marathon. Always up for new friends but another partner, no. I'm done with it.

I love your cinema idea though! Will google what's on when I'm there. Hopefully something with Tom Hanks as I adore him x

My story is not to dissimilar to yours. Hate hate hate the whole Christmas thing. Lived in a country that didnt celebrate che

Always4Brenner · 24/09/2022 20:34

KosherDill · 24/09/2022 17:58

I have spent Christmases alone and never felt like shit. I love having a nice array of food, classic/old holiday movies, and other treats; the day always went by far to quickly. Hot chocolate with a small glass of Chambord on the side for breakfast, a luxurious shower with spa products, comfortable loungewear, a few logs in the fireplace, champagne. Maybe talk to a few loved ones by phone for a few minutes.

One tip for those who expect to be alone, if you have the funds: In the next few weeks, order some treats -- a couple of new books, cosmetics, craft supplies, magazines, jewelry, DVDs, clothing accessories or whatever indulgences work for you.

When the packages arrive, do not open them.

Put them in a box under your bed or something and try to forget about them. (It's best if you do this earlier in the year so you really do forget, but here we are at the end of September -- there's still time.) On Christmas Eve, pull them out and without opening the external packaging, slap on a ribbon or bow, or pop them into multiple gift bags. That way you'll have something to open on Christmas Day and some new little treats to play with. It does perk up the day.

Already doing this 07 novels shower. stuff etc.

Travellingwomble · 24/09/2022 20:35

Sorry hit the button too soon,
....celebrate Christmas and Loved it. No incessant xmas music for months before hand and actually enjoyed the day when it came around. Suit yourself and dont mind anyone else. Enjoy being healthy enough to enjoy indulging yourself. 😁

SheWentWest · 24/09/2022 20:36

Sounds fucking great!

BillHadersLeftEye · 24/09/2022 20:37

Sounds perfect. Can i join you?

FourChimneys · 24/09/2022 20:46

It sounds perfect OP, especially the beach.

I am in a happy marriage but don't really do Christmas and find all the social pressure to make an effort very irritating.

AsterixInEngland · 24/09/2022 20:51

I’d say that, as yiu are nit looking for a relationship, then your plan isn’t plan B, it’s plan A. Your plan A, for YOUR life. The one that fits your likes, the way you life etc…

Dont try and fit into other people’s idea of what life should be. Don’t let them make their plan A be your plan A too.

And I love your plan A. By the sea, doing what you enjoy, your way. Sounds lush.

Thegroaninggurner · 24/09/2022 20:53

Sounds great, some people take themselves off on those national holidays coach tours and have a real blast and they get to know lots of other people on the same trip so best of both worlds.

KikoLemons · 24/09/2022 21:04

I'm also done with relationships - why are they held up as the holy grail - I've been much happier when I've been single. And the Christmases I've spent on my own have been my best ever. (A tinge of sadness Christmas morning - but then relief at not having to do all that difficult, exhausting stuff).
Books, sleep, walks, time to re charge.
(Merry Christmas OP - when the time comes!)

chris8888 · 24/09/2022 21:05

Sounds like the ideal Christmas to me op, last year I stayed home alone but it was great and this year I have a spa hotel booked for a few days.

Squirrelsquirrel · 24/09/2022 21:08

Sounds great to me!

You've already identified the forced jollity, fake happy families, pressure and expectation around Christmas.

I've no doubt that many, many people would rather have a week off work, a lovely few days to please themselves and then treat themselves.

Enjoy your holiday!

DoAllMyOwnStunts · 24/09/2022 21:15

I live alone with my cat.
I've told my family that sadly I have to work this year.
It's a LIE!
I will be putting up the Christmas tree and keeping the curtains closed.

YellowRedBlueGreen · 24/09/2022 21:17

I wish I knew you all in real life. How come everyone only embraces single life on here 🤔

OP posts:
Always4Brenner · 24/09/2022 21:21

He’s been invited to ex in-laws so at least I won’t worry about him this first Christmas split, I’ll be slagged off big time but won’t be there so don’t care, doing my own thing as said before.