If you are spending Christmas alone, have you bought yourself presents and what are they?

[BrightNewLife]

Lighthearted chat.

I am spending xmas alone (by choice, several reasons) and I am absolutely fine with it.

I probably won't receive other presents (no OH, teen kids, parents don't do presents).

Anyone else in the same boat? Have you bought yourself presents, and what are they?

I treated myself to a Coach handbag and a cookery book. I may also go for a Perfume Society discovery box.

Anyone else?

I’m happily alone this Christmas and have been staggering the presents to myself. Quite often I go away over Christmas, but I’ve had a stressful year and have just moved house so really want to be At Home Doing Nothing.

(I will receive a few gifts from relatives but they mostly won’t be wrap-able under the tree things. I don’t have a tree, anyway!)

A new coat for the not actually new city I’ve moved to. As it was purely a want, not a need, and I didn’t wait for the sale, it definitely counts as an early Christmas present.

Books, obviously.

2 gallery prints have arrived and are still in their wrappings waiting to be framed in the new year.

A case of organic and biodynamic wine - finally opened last night.

A (single) ticket to a concert in the spring. The consequent couple of nights in one of my favourite hotels will be another gift to myself.

Once their sales start half the contents of my favourite homeware stores will be making their way to my house.

And I’ll spend Christmas Day planning a leisurely solo European trip for early 2025.

@GhastlyGoodTaste Ha, no one replied so I forgot about this thread!

What great gifts!

I also have 2 crisp new books I can’t wait to dive into: Stanley Tucci’s new food memoir and God of the Woods (NYT recommendation).

Do you cook special food? I’ve had such an intense year that cooking a full on meal doesn’t feel like a treat.

I will be alone but sleeping most of the day as I'm working 13 hour nights Xmas Eve and nights Christmas Day.

I have got myself some nice bubble bath and new pjs :) my neighbour will drop a Christmas dinner in for me about 4pm

That sounds lovely and yes, I would definitely treat myself in your position. I do think it’s a really poor show of your teens not to buy you anything though. DS is 14 and will definitely go shopping and pick up something for me, DH and his sister, even if I have to give him the money…

I don’t understand your post, @Chickoletta? It doesn’t sound as if you are yourself spending Christmas alone?

I won't be alone but expecting to find it difficult. Have bought myself long teddie hoodie, scented lotion and pyjamas for when me and DS get back from my mum's.

What an amazing neighbour you have.
I hope your shifts go well

What bubble bath have you bought?

That’s impressive neighbourliness, @MessyNeate! You sound wonderfully well organised for comfortable rest once you’re home.

Quite honestly, although I love cooking most of the year, I do see Christmas alone as a licence to live on mince pies and crisps and expensive wine. There will be fish, and lots of mushrooms, and half the Hodmedods catalogue being stirred on the hob - but I don’t put any pressure on myself to do anything unusually splendid or effortful. Ethiopian coffee beans will make a good start to the day.

I've got myself:
Ice shaver
PJs
Bathrobe
Cozy slipper socks
Fizz (loads)
Sake
Marron glacé
Coat
Cowboy steak for Christmas lunch 🙃

I'm not spending Christmas alone. But maybe a little lonely, and I have brought myself presents! Uggs, nice hotel chocolate biscuits.

Me too, I love it.
I do a lot of crafts over Xmas so I have bought an expensive set of acrylic paint pens and a miniature dollshouse project.
Books.
A necklace and matching bracelet and some food from Waitrose.
I'm normally saving hard all year so I thought what the heck.

I'm not spending Christmas alone. But maybe a little lonely, and I have brought myself presents!

That would be an excellent new thread for you to start, @Mintyt.

@Sunshineandrainbow radox sleepy version. My fave!

I live in a wonderful cul de sac. My DH grew up here from birth and his best friend did too. DH inherited his parents house a few years ago when they both passed away. DH's best friend from small bought his parents house across the road, his wife is the neighbour dropping me a dinner. Although 2 others offered and my brother did too but I think 4 Christmas dinners is a bit much

Not the OP but I assume her teen kids are with their Dad on the 25th and Op will be indeed alone.

I understood that. I didn’t understand why someone who clearly would not be spending Christmas alone was posting on the thread …

Yes. I’ve always done it, even when I was married, because exh was really crap at buying presents.
A new letts diary, yearly audible subscription and a new outfit.

I’ve just bought myself a new waterproof coat, ordered it yesterday and it arrived today. It’ll get its first use on Christmas Day when I take the dog out.

My point is that teenagers are capable if buying thoughtful gifts. The OP says that she won’t receive any presents despite having teenage DCs.

I'm spending Christmas alone and am desperately trying to find myself a present. I've looked at a flower subscription and a BFI subscription.

I don't think really want more 'stuff' - have just had a big charity collection to get rid off junk.

I don't want books or food/drink. Don't want clothes as I plan to have a big clear out next year. Don't want perfume, toiletries or make up. Don't want candles or ornaments.

It's a head scratcher.

@username299 what about a house plant, new bedding or treat yourself to theatre tickets/a hotel stay? Your flower subscription is a great idea. Magazine subscription might be nice too if there are any that take your fancy

I kill plants, even the indestructible ones. At the moment I'm in recovery so can't really do activities but they're great ideas as I love travelling.

I was also thinking about a newspaper/periodical subscription. I even looked at doing an online course.

Oh ignore me lol my mistake - I didn't look at the username properly and thought you were responding to OP.

Not alone but I will be the only adult this Christmas (partly my choice). I've bought myself two books and a white noise machine to drown out the sound of upstairs neighbours.

I’ve probably been unfair on my DCs! They probably will get me something. I suppose I meant a proper lovely surprise present.

My last DP used to give great presents so my question was more how others are “treating” themselves if they’re on their own.

@username299 How about a National Theatre streaming subscription? If you like flowers/crafts, country living magazine had a good deal a while back (£5) for 3 issues or something.

The National Theatre is a great idea. I was also looking at Master Class and a good documentary streaming service.