To think Christmas is one of the loneliest times of the year

[UnbelievablyChocolatey]

One of my MILs neighbours is a nail client of mine. She is an older lady, and one the sweetest, softly spoken people I've ever met.

During her nail session today I was chatting away, and asked her what her Christmas plans are. I was a bit wary of asking, as she's mentioned before that her two daughters don't visit much, and she spoke with quite a bit of sadness in her voice when talking about them. She then told me that she was on her own for Christmas as they won't be visiting.

I simply said 'oh that's a shame' but inside wanted to call the daughters a few harsh names. She also has one granddaughter, who she won't be seeing either.

Now I appreciate I don't know the dynamics of this family, but it disgusts me to think this woman will be sat on her own Christmas Day. After speaking to MIL, she's had a chat with one of the other 'lonely neighbours' and they're going to spend the day together, which is something at least.

This lovely lady tipped me an extra tenner AND bought me a Christmas present. So sad that no one can be 'bothered' with her at Christmas

[eyebrowsonfleek]

I'll be alone as my kids will be with their dad. He only sees them 24 hours per fortnight usually so I'm not lonely really but it does grate.

[CaraAspen]

Not everyone wants to be with other people at Christmas, though. This enforced bonhomie aspect is tiresome. It wouldn't bother me in the slightest to be on my own. There is a difference between being alone and being lonely.

[CaraAspen]

And yes, it must be annoying when people make assumptions. In any case, the "festive" season can be anything but for many people. Domestic violence, for instance, is apparently higher at such times.

[Redsrule]

I agree but people should not think that the fact you are alone is because you are some evil person who deserves it! Which seems to be the MN impression.

[MissKG]

For all you know she's one of 'go NC' parents usually advised on here.

[ItsAllGoingToBeFine]

Christmas is hard for a lot of people for all sorts of reasons.

Samaritans are running an Xmas campaign
www.samaritans.org/support-us/real-christmas

If you are alone at Christmas and finding it hard you can always call them on 116 123 (free in UK)

[KingJoffreysRestingCuntface]

A couple of days ago a 77 year old killed herself on the train tracks near my town.

Dreading a lonely Christmas???

[PlaymobilPirate]

I've spent most of the morning in tears as my brother has taken back his invitation to my mum and dad (he's decided that they need Xmas on their own - him, his dw and their 25 year old dc)

It's our turn to go to dp's parents. Mum and dad can't come with us (no room, not invited etc) which means they'll be on their own. I know they have each other but we've lost 2 elderly relatives this year who usually go to them so it's extra sad.

I'm gutted for them and know I won't enjoy Xmas thinking of them sitting alone.

[AlcoChocs]

People should be allowed to be alone at Christmas if they want to be.
My 90 year old grandmother much prefers to be at home alone doing what she wants in peace but family members insist on her joining in with their festivities because "You can't spend Christmas Day alone" as if it's the law. She ends up going to avoid hurt feelings.
She told me last week that she really doesn't want to spend hours with young children running around shrieking and people drinking too much!
I've had to be quite firm with everyone and told them not to put pressure on her any more. It didn't go down well .

[CrapWreathKeith]

I meet many lonely people through my job, and I know that 6 or 7 of the people I support are alone this Christmas, through no fault of their own. Two are in their nineties with nobody left in the world, a couple have children abroad, and a couple of them haven't enough mobility to get out of their homes or to the toilet in someone elses home. It is all very sad.

[m0therofdragons]

Alcochocs that's exactly what my granny said and she is also 90!

[UnbelievablyChocolatey]

God that's awful king 😔

Yes I completely agree people have the right to spend the day alone if they prefer. Christmas is just another day to some people. But I could tell she was sad about being alone. She mentioned how she'd bought her granddaughter some presents and didn't know when she'd give them to her. She doesn't drive so I imagine it's difficult for her to make long journeys perhaps

For those who are quite elderly I imagine they often feel lonely? Or am I just making assumptions?