Is it sad to spend Xmas day on your own?

[Stressedmum2017]

So split from kids dad, arrangements for Christmas are they are with me till about lunchtime Christmas day then they go to their dads till boxing day and come home again. I've had a few offers from relatives/friends to join them but to be honest I really like the idea of just making my own Christmas dinner for one and just settling on the sofa on my own!

Admittedly that is what I do most weekends when they go to their dads, so it's not even like that's a real treat for me to do... I just don't know if I can bothered with being social this year.

I voiced this idea to someone recently and they said it was a bit sad and Christmas is a time for family and sort of pitied me it felt like.
Thoughts? Is OK to spend Christmas on your own by choice or is that really anti social?

But that's not quite the same as spending the whole day alone, from waking up by yourself and spending the entire day in your own company.

Exactly this ^

I would happily do this! I would love it. But I have a hectic life atm and I’m always up for more time alone - I can see it would be very different if you were alone a lot of the time and wished you weren’t, or if you’re someone who enjoys a big Christmas Day gathering.

I also wish Christmas was more low key generally so that it could be more like this even if you weren’t alone - but that’s another thread!

Sounds mighty fine to me.
Just don't tell people about it!

I think it would be sad to spend the day doing something you don’t want to to keep up appearances.

I have had one on my own when my partner avd I were unable to be together die to lockdown- horrendous. He has since passed away and this year I will be alone. I will be keeping myself busy eating what I like and getting ready for a post Christmas break away with mate. My sister has asked me what I am doing and I've made it clear. Don't want the forced jollity,can cry if I want and do what I like. Do what you want. I personally have always thought Christmas was overrated,even when I was a child. 53 now

@BCBird I am sorry for your loss.

Sounds fantastic. I am currently under pressure to spend time with my sister who I hate because it’s ‘family at Christmas’. She was a bitch to me last Christmas and I’ve Said I’m not doing it anymore.

Families are complicated. I love my own company.

Yes - seeing family at Christmas is really stressful and awful for a lot of people. My family is so bad, I refused to do it at all years ago and they have to lump it. But loads of families/relatives use the leverage of Christmas to make people schlep to see someone they don't like or who will behave really badly.

Sounds absolutely fine. My parents are having Xmas just them from now on not even cooking, going to a local pub for Xmas lunch then home to watch TV. I'm going to my sister's this year but don't want to, it will just be incredibly stressful with my teenage DC and I know I won't sleep as I don't sleep in other people's houses.

After mil awful behaviour I've said to DH no one is to stay here at Xmas again, and if needs be he can drive to her to eat with her but me and DC are staying put. They're not overly keen on Xmas itself now they're older. They like stuff like going ice skating, Xmas market etc but none of us enjoy the actual day. From 2023 it will be as low key and minimalist as possible.