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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To already be wondering what to do at Christmas

26 replies

horsecalledseptember · 07/09/2014 10:16

I don't have any family, don't want to spend it with friends and don't have anyone to go away with!

And at the risk of sounding slightly mean I don't want to volunteer anywhere either.

I know I could just spend it at home but I think that would make me dwell on matters - also well meaning friends and distant relatives and neighbours would then inundate me with invitations that id feel rude turning down!

Any thoughts about what I can do? :)

OP posts:
TidyDancer · 07/09/2014 10:57

If it was me, I would get some lovely wine and lots of naughty food I wouldn't eat the rest of the year and settle down in front of the tv. But that said, I do love a day to myself and that would be bliss to me. Could you maybe go away somewhere for a few days? Would avoid all the invitations coming your way!

ilovesooty · 07/09/2014 11:01

I'm in your position and I booked to go away ages ago. I used up years ' worth of Avios saving and I've paid a total of £80 for flights and 4 nights in a 4* hotel in Amsterdam.

ftmsoon · 07/09/2014 11:17

There are companies that do trips for groups of single people that may be worth investigating, although may be too late for this year.

seasavage · 07/09/2014 11:29

Thank everyone politely and say you have plans.
If you can afford a trip then go for it. I'd be tempted to buy myself a much wanted boxset. Some food treats and watch loads. A walk on Christmas Day (early and alone) is something I like to indulge in.
I hope you have a lovely peaceful day.

Selks · 07/09/2014 11:33

I've had a few Christmases on my own. On one I drove to the seaside, took a picnic and had a long and very bracing walk along the beach. It was pleasantly un-Christmassy Smile

Bowlersarm · 07/09/2014 11:35

Spend it in a lovely hotel? You'd be with other people, but separate too.

Selks · 07/09/2014 11:41

Apparently the YHA does Christmas packages in various of their hostels that are popular with solo travellers - Here

nannynoss · 07/09/2014 12:02

Watching this closely as I am in the same position!

Original poster
horsecalledseptember · 07/09/2014 12:09

Thanks :)

Part of me would like to go away but I don't want to go somewhere people might be giving me funny looks!

OP posts:
ilovesooty · 07/09/2014 13:20

Noone gives you funny looks in a busy city.

CheeseToastie123 · 07/09/2014 13:30

I'm running away to a cabin in the woods. Last year I stayed home and the cat and I had a lovely time hiding. Year before, I ran away to a shepherd hut near the coast. No-one looks, they're busy getting on with their own stuff.

gordyslovesheep · 07/09/2014 13:42

I'd vote running away as well - I often go away when my ex takes the kids on holiday - it's lovely - a book and a spa - bliss

Oh and buy a really good bottle of fizz and treat yourself - I do every New Years Eve

Original poster
horsecalledseptember · 07/09/2014 13:51

Ilovesooty - don't you find that the hotels can be a bit - oh I don't know, questioning? And places to eat. I went to Haworth on my own in the summer as I love the Brontes and no one else I know does and I found I was treated kindly but almost sympathetically! And that was far more socially acceptable than being alone at Christmas for want of a better turn of phrase :)

OP posts:
ilovesooty · 07/09/2014 14:01

No horse I don't find hotels a problem. Some restaurants are a bit sniffy about giving you a decent table if you're on your own but on the whole I don't find it any bother.

I've stayed in small and large hotels all over Europe and eaten in places in cities and seaside resorts. I think my most negative experience was in Bradford where one curry restaurant wouldn't give me a table in an empty restaurant at 6pm on a Saturday night. I just never went back there. I've found a lot of welcoming bars and pubs on my travels as well but I always take something to read to occupy myself.

I've done Amsterdam at Christmas before: last time I had a great 4 course Christmas dinner in a pub for 25 euros and the shops were all open on Boxing Day.

I went on a singles holiday once. It was great fun but full of dysfunctional people! Grin

ilovesooty · 07/09/2014 14:02

P.S> I love the Brontes too.

Original poster
horsecalledseptember · 07/09/2014 14:19

Dysfunctional people sounds fun Grin

OP posts:
travailtotravel · 07/09/2014 14:39

I have been away at Xmas more often than I have been at home, and even now we alternate - a year at home and a year with DH family.

Depends on your budget and inclination, but you could look at something like a group trip. People won't look at you wierdly if you pick the rght type of company to go with - something like Explore its more common to have singles than couples and eveyone all just gets on with having a lovely time.

Sadly for me, it's our at home year. Grumble.

Original poster
horsecalledseptember · 07/09/2014 14:43

Well - I'd be wary of using the word 'sadly'; I'd give anything to have Christmas with family.

I'm thinking of something like skiing so I can do my own thing without standing out, as to be honest I doubt I'll feel sociable.

OP posts:
BlackeyedSusan · 07/09/2014 14:47

I would stay at home, but I see this is not for you.

try asking around about cities that you could go and see on a budget... what is free.. that way you can find out what you could do when/if everywhere is closed.

you could also find out which countries have bank holidays when.

I like copenhagen.. (though I was very poorly with morning sickness) it was lovely to walk around. even in the rain. in december. i think you would have to take account of being able to walk from whichever hotel as public transport may be closed.

Original poster
horsecalledseptember · 07/09/2014 14:51

I wouldn't exactly be anti staying at home but I'd feel pressured to spend it with people and I don't wand to!

OP posts:
travailtotravel · 07/09/2014 14:56

I am sorry you'll be without family horse - but for me it is 'sadly' that I'll be at home - not every family is easy to be with.

CleverPlansAndSecretTricks · 07/09/2014 15:01

What sort of budget do you have for going away? I was reading a Martin Randall brochure at my parents house and their Christmas trip to Bavaria looked lovely. It's not for singles specifically, but they make a point of trying to keep the single supplement low so you prob wouldn't be an anomaly.

CleverPlansAndSecretTricks · 07/09/2014 15:02

They are expensive though! And tend to attract older people (all those baby boomer pounds burning a hole in their pockets!)

BitOutOfPractice · 07/09/2014 15:11

Go away. I would. Go to Tenerife and get a tan

Or, as someone suggested, try Holland. It's a good option as lots is open at Christmas because they make a bigger deal on St Nicholas Day earlier in December. I bet galleries and museums will even be open. (And there is much much more to Holland than Amsterdam - try the Hague, lovely city, lots to do and lovely beaches near by)

As for people traeting you with pity for being on your own, I have two points

  1. you are probably seeing more than i sthere. I bet they are not even giving it a second thought
  2. Stuff 'em anyway - you don't know them, they don't know you - what do you care what they think?

Go for it!

ilovesooty · 07/09/2014 15:22

I agree there's much more to Holland than Amsterdam: I know the whole country very well. At Christmas though there isn't too much open apart from Amsterdam - restaurants, transport, attractions etc.

I went to Tenerife for NewYear once. It was a bit weird. The party entertainment finished at 10.30pm!

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