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Original poster

To ask for help on how to get through Christmas

116 replies

Notevenclosetoabeggingthread · 02/12/2018 10:26

I am spending Christmas alone.

Yesterday I needed to fork out nearly £1000 (ouch)

The long and short of it is that I have no money. I’ve bought presents already, it’s not a begging thread. I just don’t know how I can get through two full weeks alone and broke Sad

OP posts:
Vebrithien · 02/12/2018 12:49

If you like cooking, and Christmas type food, can I recommend Thrifty Lesley's meal plans. Several festive week plans, each worked out by cost, with the recipies and shopping lists. They come to about £1.30 per person per day, and if you are careful, you can swap between menus.
Not sure how to do clicky links on my phone!

www.thriftylesley.com/eating-during-the-festive-week-at-1-30ish-per-person-per-day/

www.thriftylesley.com/meal-plans/christmas-2014-based-on-roast-pork-stilton-and-mixed-fruit/

www.thriftylesley.com/vegetarian-christmas/

Hope these might give you a few ideas, I've bused them when food money is very tight, but still want some festive cheer!

Vebrithien · 02/12/2018 12:49

Oooooh, clicky links worked!!

KC225 · 02/12/2018 12:55

I think planning is your friend here, make a list of things (within budget) you have wanted to do but never seem to have the time for. Do you have books you have wanted to read? Go and browse at the local library? Same with TV are there any series you want to binge watch on Netflix? If you don't have Netfliks, ask at work any one has any box sets you can borrow? I have been meaning to watch Mad Men for years as my DH doesn't fancy it? What about any crafts or things you mean to do - I was given a tapestry set a couple of years ago and a I brought myself a calligraphy set but never for around to doing either.

You say you are alright for food, would that stretch to a few home made nibbles, a bottle of wine and some spices, perhaps invite a couple of neighbours over. As you are working what about inviting colleagues over for a bring a dish party. Or a friend to watch some cheesy Christmas films and drink hot chocolate.

Can you explore the local neighbourhood on foot. I find I always take the same route but what happens if you turned the other way, went down that street. The library can help you with local history.

Is there anything you can sell on Facebook sitss between now and then. We sold some stuff that had been marked for the dump last week. Two kitchen cabinets, some old sports equipment and we for 40 quid, this could free up some cash for perhaps a cinema/panto trip

Have you looked at carol services at the local churches? I am not religious but a church at Christmas and Christmas carols are just lovely.

TheBaltictriangle · 02/12/2018 13:05

Get a bar or waitressing job over Christmas to and New Year to earn cash. That's what I'd do to earn money to treat myself over the holiday period.

Muddledupme · 02/12/2018 13:05

Years ago I was in your situation so I decided to blitz my house. I did all the little jobs that I never got round too like hanging pictures and polishing shoes.the day went very quickly. I've got a friend who was also alone and she spent the day painting her bedroom.

SusanneLinder · 02/12/2018 13:06

There are some cafe's and restaurants opening on Christmas day, particularly for people on their own. Am sure there might be some in your area, particularly if you live in or near a largish town /city.
However it seems as this is a bigger issue, as you appear to have few friends that can support you. Can you make next year the year that you expand your social circle and take up hobbies/ join stuff etc?
Don't know where you live, but if you are North of the Border, you'd be welcome to join the chaos that is oor hoose.

mumto2babyboys · 02/12/2018 13:08

Goodness how is being charitable

Op which charity would help you? Um none

You have a job and you are asking for sympathy because you are alone and don't want to help others.

There are loads of amazing winter sun holiday deals, get a credit cards and be happy you are healthy enough to have options

mumto2babyboys · 02/12/2018 13:09

Being charitable considered trolling

mumto2babyboys · 02/12/2018 13:10

Why have none of your neighbours, unless you live on a farm extended an invitation to you?

Original poster
Notevenclosetoabeggingthread · 02/12/2018 13:10

Which charity are you volunteering for?

OP posts:
mumto2babyboys · 02/12/2018 13:11

I donate to cancer research and I work ft in a hospital, by choice

I don't get 2 weeks off ever

Original poster
Notevenclosetoabeggingthread · 02/12/2018 13:12

So you don’t volunteer. Goodness how uncharitable.

OP posts:
Shepherdspieisminging · 02/12/2018 13:13

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Matildatoldsuchdreadfullies · 02/12/2018 13:15

The answer to having no spare cash is to get a credit card and go on holiday Hmm.

No, it's really not. Getting into debt for a bit of winter sun is not a good idea.

OP, I'd get books and dvds from charity shops, and hunker down. Not ideal, but you'll get through it. Good luck Flowers.

Lucisky · 02/12/2018 13:16

I used to spend part of my christmas break alone. I found it was a really good time to do decorating, if you can run to it cash wise.
Are you sure there is no one at work who is similarly alone who would fancy a get together?
It is only one day. Go for a long walk, have your favourite thing to eat, read a really good book, watch some favourite films or new films? Be kind to yourself and treat yourself if you can, cash permitting.

IAmRubbishAtDIY · 02/12/2018 13:16

@mumto2babyboys. Could you stop being so horrible to someone who is feeling a bit down, please?

Leighhalfpennysthigh · 02/12/2018 13:19

You have a job and you are asking for sympathy because you are alone and don't want to help others

And what's wrong with that? Its shit being alone at Christmas if you don't want to be. And why should it be expected that people who may well work really hard all year then spend Christmas also working hard? And volunteering is often a hard slog.

bastardkitty · 02/12/2018 13:22

Yeah pack it in @mumto2babyboys - you're just making an arse of yourself.

You've had lots of good suggestions now OP but someone mentioned decorating and that might be a really good and rewarding project. You might get free materials off Freecycle. You do sound quite flat. Have you talked to your GP or do you have a local IAPT service you can contact?

Absentwomen · 02/12/2018 13:26

@mumto2babyboys,

Aren't you a gem?

Leighhalfpennysthigh · 02/12/2018 13:30

mumto2babyboys - I've worked in and with the health service for the last 20 years and know lots of people who work full time in hospitals who have had 2 weeks off.

Some places shut over Christmas. It generally means that all employees have to use two weeks of their annual leave to cover that time, so therefore they are restricted in when they can take time off.

LuckyAmy1986 · 02/12/2018 13:32

I had this one Christmas, I was alone all over the holidays and couldn’t wait to get back to work! I took long walks, read loads, watched films, did puzzles, cooked. It wasn’t ideal but it was a case of just cracking on and getting on with it. I don’t suppose you can return the gifts you bought so you have a bit extra for yourself?

ilovesooty · 02/12/2018 13:35

@mumto2babyboys

Knock it off.

Original poster
Notevenclosetoabeggingthread · 02/12/2018 13:36

Trolls gotta troll hey sooty Smile

OP posts:
Hezz · 02/12/2018 13:53

That does sound a bit lonely.

What are the two people you're buying presents for who aren't abroad doing? Surely you could see them a couple of times? Brew

TedAndLola · 02/12/2018 13:55

@mumto2babyboys Kindly piss off, there's a good girl.