Buying yourself a present for Xmas day

[MrsHookey]

If you were a single parent with young kids, and are going to be alone, is it reasonable to buy yourself a gift for Christmas Day? What would you buy and how would you spend the day? First time alone.

Deffo! Treat yourself!

I would get myself something indulgent, that I wouldn't normally buy.

Yes, definitely

Do you alone (without the children) or you and the children?

Me and the children (I think!).

I don’t really celebrate Christmas but I always get myself something special for Christmas. I’ve had a sewing machine, a telly, a bean to cup coffee maker, several holidays and a Sodastream. All things I really love. This year I think I’m going to get a painting.

And I spent Christmas Day on the sofa with my feet up and my cat, eating chocolate and binge-watching trash tv.

I always used to buy myself something from DS when he was too little to understand about getting me presents. And I still make myself up a nice stocking at the same time as I'm doing DS's.

First year I was on my own at Xmas with DC I bought myself a new coat - not even a practical every day coat - I loved it and had it for years until I sold it when I lost weight
It was a bit of luxury for myself at a time when nearly all my money went on DC

Yes to your question. Why not? It's your Christmas too.

How old are the children? Do you have a family or friends that could take them out to choose or make something for you.

Maybe but we are likely to be in lockdown so no mixing with households!

Loving the idea of your own stocking!

I would! And I’d order it with gift-wrapping so it can join the kids’ presents under the tree.

How young are your kids? I’d probably get ready-made dinner stuff that can just be shoved in the oven. Depending on ages get some age-appropriate games and later pick a couple of films everyone would enjoy, maybe with nice hot chocolate and marshmallows.

They are 6 and 7. One has additional needs and will never eat the Christmas dinner! Tempted to have myself a Thai green curry instead :-D

Oh you should.
I'm single so I buy myself xmas pyjamas or jumper, earrings, perfume, I treat myself. I work hard and sitting around waiting for somebody else to buy you what you want must be frustrating!

@MrsHookey

They are 6 and 7. One has additional needs and will never eat the Christmas dinner! Tempted to have myself a Thai green curry instead :-D

Do it!

Do what YOU like to do/eat/wear

Yes, definitely

Whenever I have not had a partner at Christmas for the past 40 years (which is more than half of them) I have bought myself something. My thoughts have always been. If there are 2 of you, you buy each other presents, so if I'm not buying for someone else, I'll buy for myself.

OK, no surprises on Christmas Day but at least I have got the present I wanted.

Absolutely!

I often buy myself a gift, wrap it and pop it under the tree,
It is funny to watch my family looking quizzically at each other wondering who bought it.

I buy myself something nice for Christmas (and my birthday!). You definitely should!

I’m married and buy myself a present every year!

This year, I’ll either be heavily pregnant or have a newborn, so I’m treating myself to a full blown stocking

Spoil yourself! Have exactly what food YOU like and the children can have their favourites. Buy yourself a present (or three) and see if the shop will gift wrap it for you.

My mum always had gifts under the tree from 'Santa' as well as from my grandfather, she also had a stocking. Now I know it was her making it but it added to the magic as a child, and if she hadn't had gifts or a stocking that would have been incredibly strange to me.
As for Christmas Dinner, make whatever you would like to be your tradition - what food would you miss if you didn't have it at Christmas? What routines do you want to do with your children to make it special for them and for you? It's ok to carry forward traditions you had in the past if they are part of what makes Christmas. Equally it's ok to let go of ones that are just a burden rather than fun.

I get myself an advent calendar which I enjoy opening all of the doors on Christmas Day.

Treat yourself! 🎁

Do it! I spent Christmas alone for years and I used to get myself something in Jan/Feb wrap it up so I'd forget what it is come Christmas

Absolutely buy yourself something. Spend the day what ever way you want.

Buy yourself an advent calendar and a subscription/one-off box in whatever is your favourite sort of theme - coffee, tea, stationery, cookery stuff, makeup, etc. If you don't know the precise contents, I feel it is more of a gift.