Dreading Christmas

[Ilovenotebooks]

My workplace shuts down for 2 weeks over Christmas. I have literally no plans and no money to go anywhere. I'm dreading it. Actual Christmas day should be ok. I'll go to a family member's house for lunch but other than that there is just the dread of nothing to do while everyone else does lovely things. Also hate the dark, cold days and never feel great at that time of year. It'll just be me. I don't have a partner or kids. I'm not religious so church is out.

If you are going to mind a car or dog have a look at trusted house sitter where they advertise for people to house sit free & mind pets - maybe you'll find something somewhere new and the accommodation is free

Well, yes, you could just decide that it won't be possible for you. Or you could give it a try.

Your choice.

You realise you could just NOT do that?

I said I wasn't going to derail, so apologise! But the only way I could not do that would cause grief to the people I love the most (namely our children). So I can suck it up for the sake of just another day. It's only once a year.

Do your friends know you’ll be alone? I would invite anyone over who was planning to be alone. Unless they wanted to be alone of course! There are things you can do that don’t cost much but it can be lonely if you haven’t got people to share things with.
i like the volunteering idea. But also staying home with lots of treats could be nice. It’s so difficult because of the hype to enjoy yourself with family.

Join a club, do some exercise 🙄 for fucks sake.

Some people just don't have a clue, do they? Join all the clubs you like love, Christmas is a time to reflect and contemplate on not only what you have but what you DON'T have and no amount of "get out there and blah blah blah" will comfort that. It really doesn't help having the most "magical" time of the year shoved down your throat to remind you of that.

I get it OP. It hurts x

Also I really appreciate everyone on here saying they don't want loved ones to be alone at Christmas and they want them to come over etc, I'd say (and mean) the same. I really would. But as offensive as it sounds people who for whatever reason haven't been able to form a unit of their own don't want to feel like the spare prick in someone else's home. OP for what it's worth I'm fucking off out of it this year for the same reason as you, just can't be arsed with it. I'll be in North Yorkshire. If you're local - feel free to reach out x

How do you normally spend the rest of your annual leave OP?

Asking because it might give us a starting point for suggestions.

A bit of structure would probably help. Me, I might get a couple of craft kits to give me a project that isn't too "worky" but that'll be many people's idea of hell.

Woukd you consider volunteering in a charity shop? I manage a charity shop and we always need more people at Christmas when the regular volunteers want time off ... you would need to get in touch now due to references etc but it would certainly keep you busy over the two weeks and hopefully you would enjoy it and meet some new people .. you might like to continue with the occasional shift after the holiday? I have some 'non regular' volunteers who help as and when they can and they really add a fresh pair of eyes and good ideas into our shop.

Op when I found myself in similar situation years ago, I got busy!
Walk. Every day. Fresh air, nature
Get organised. Put a budget spreadsheet together for the following year. Buy an organiser and fill it with important dates.
Buy birthday cards for the next year and write them out ready for posting.
Learn to cook/bake new recipes.
Sort out your wardrobe and bedroom, clear out, mend, bin, donate
Do an online course. Any subject you like
Research family history
Learn to sew

I used to say to myself that when life is shit spend your time doing things that mean when things get better they are extra better. I chose to study hard and organise my finances. Reaping the rewards now.....

Be kind to yourself xxx

Do you like walking in the countryside OP?