Is it weird to spend Christmas alone?

[NewDaye]

I have family & friends to spend it with, but I’d rather be alone this year.

I suffered sexual harassment & constructively being managed out at work recently, where I’m considering the employment tribunal process. I think about resigning a lot & I just feel anxious, like a massive weight is on my shoulders, no idea what’s happening with finances etc or what 2025 will bring. With Christmas day, I don’t want to go to a relative’s house and bring the mood down for others - I don’t have the headspace to be “on” and entertain people. I think that me not being super happy would likely upset my family…

I don’t have much of an appetite either, which would probably concern my mum! They tend to go all out for Christmas. I think I just want to spend the day having a relaxing bath, getting into comfy PJs, watching a film and just recuperating.

My friends know what’s going on too and want to spend the day with me, but I’m seeing them before Christmas - we’re doing fun Christmassy things like theatre, winter wonderland, travelling etc. So I feel like that’s enough socialising but everyone seems to think it’s odd that I want to be alone on the day.

It's not weird at all. My opinion is that it is one day of the year when you can do exactly as YOU please, which is seldom achievable. I'll be on my own too. Go and make the most of it.

The best Christmas i spent was alone. I went to Spain because i didn't want to turn down invitations and it was amazing. Another Christmas i spent writing my university essays, not as fun but definitely productive. You do you

Not at all! It's a fabulous idea - just do whatever you want.

I spent Christmas Day on my own several years running (whilst I was between husbands), and it was actually rather nice. You eat what you like when you like, watch what you want on the telly, and don't have to consider what anyone else wants to do at all.

Tell your mum your going to friends, tell friends your at mums and stay in your PJs........would that stop everyone fussing or are they likely to speak to each other🤔 I hope 2025 is better for you💐

Not weird but as long as you don't spend all the time ruminating about what has happend to you. Then you might really feel alone. If you have Netflix choose some fun things to watch, get some fun nibbles in. You can waft around in your PJ's or even dress up if you wish. Have a ball!

Do remember though if you are going to deceive your family/friends if they/you phone remember what you said to them all. Put some Christmas music on in the background so they think there is a party going on!

I'm not doing Christmas this year I have done it past 9 years to much hassle arguments and very stressful going to think of myself this once
Nothing wrong with being on your own if it helps your mental health

No not weird, sometimes you need peace and quiet and rest. You can chat here as well :)

I think it sounds peaceful and restorative for you and you matter most !!

be kind to yourself - it’s a tough time of year

You have family and friends whom you're seeing at other times over the festive period; you're doing some nice Christmassy activities; you're having a peaceful, relaxing day to yourself on the 25th.

That sounds a perfect balance.