AIBU to love the idea of spending Xmas alone? (One for fellow introverts) ...

[HanG77]

I'm mid-40s and I have never spent Xmas alone. I've always split it between divorced parents to keep them happy (with all the drama that involves) or done what past partners wanted. I recently bought my first place and got my first dog, and I just want it to be us, snuggled up and chilling out, eating good food, watching what I want on TV in my own home. No plans. No people over. No travel. I'm not Bah Humbug! I like Xmas, I’ve bought presents, I plan to see people on other days in the holidays etc. I just really love my own space and company. To me I think I am living the dream but every person I have told has looked at me in pity and I could tell they thought I was putting on a brave face. (For background I have had three other options but declined as this is genuinely what I want to do. I'm happily single, childless, not Christian so the day itself doesn't hold a special significance and I live close to my family so see them all the time – and me spending alone hasn’t left any of them who wouldn’t want to be alone without company on the day). I came on Mumsnet hoping to find some fellow introverts doing this but it's only threads of people spending it alone and not being happy about it. Please tell me I am not alone in liking being alone. I feel like an alien.

My evil side is thinking you could tell a white lie to them and stay at home? (I say this as someone who is actually so rubbish at lying!).

I am happy spending Christmas alone. But I hate telling people that's what I plan to do, because as you say they just pity you. I only tell family my plans now, friends I usually just tell a white lie that I am spending it at one of my sisters' houses. Then everybody is happy! This Christmas I am spending the day chilling out by myself in my new home and I cannot bloody wait!

I think it's easier to enjoy a Christmas Day alone knowing you have family and friends around you the rest of the year/ options elsewhere. Then it's through choice. Speak to people who have no choice but to spend it alone and it will be a bit different.

This sounds lovely.
Not an option for me with young dc and family coming over but I would absolutely love a day to myself to just unapologetically sit on my arse, watching what I want, eating what I want and being cosy and peaceful.
Also aware that when the time for that comes I'll probably miss the noise and chaos.

It sounds like a blissful day, enjoy ☺️

Ha! ha! The chicken nuggets had me. I'm getting ingredients in for a roast but I suspect it'll be wine and crisps all day. That sounds like hard work, I bet your family are really grateful but I can see why that is no fun and knackering. I hope you get a more chilled out one someday.

I spend most christmases alone, I don't see why I should be forced to celebrate it when I'm not a christian.
My DS amd DiL are an atheist and a buddhist and they can't be bothered either, we all work hard so we just want to relax at home on these extra days off.
There is no way I'm trecking hundreds of miles round the country in winter on icy roads to see people I can jusr as easily visit during the year.
Its not as if any elderly relative is going to be on their own, they have other people going over.
Stand firm and say either you are not well or you are not doing it this year end of.
The last time I was pressured into a xmas I didn't want someone gave me their cold which turned into pneumonia and I ended up very ill having to take three weeks off work.
It might be fun when the kids are small but it certainly isn't now.

Why are they only visiting at xmas? If there is an old lonely person that needs company they need regular visits all year round. Most elderly people I know don't care about xmas, they care about having people over as often as they can throughout the year.

I totally get that. I know and appreciate I am lucky to have options, My post wasn't meant to imply that being alone at Xmas is amazing full stop (obviously it is totally dependent on a person's individual circumstances), it was meant to be lighthearted. I wanted to find fellow introverts (or people happy in their own company) as often I feel judged for liking being alone, particularly at times where its not seen as socially acceptable, like Xmas.

There's definitely pros and cons for both, I have loved past Xmas Days which have been busy and social, I am just definitely in a "sit on my arse" mood this year 😂

Blimey, its weird how that happens, things can go wrong when we don't trust our inner voice and mine is telling me to have a peaceful alone one.

I 100% relate to this..."those moments it's just me and my Jack Russell are golden."

You have your lovely dog who is probably as good a company as anyone!

I've never spent it alone, but I do love a day at home when dh and dc out. Xmas day gives you a great chance to chill out guilt free with nice food, nice wine and tv.

I'm alone with the cat this year, I get two days off work (Christmas Day and Boxing Day) and I just want to sit on my arse watching films and eating cheese TBH
I will do an exercise class on Christmas Day though!

Please do it! A solo Christmas with a dog is my idea of bliss too

@HanG77 I once accidentally ended up spending Christmas alone. A mix of trains cancelled and work.

It was amazing. I'm an introvert. I watched Christmas movies (it's a wonderful life), ate way too many chicks, had a lovely bottle of wine and generally loved the whole day. It was bliss!

Chocs not chicks!

I've done this a couple of times. I booked an Airbnb for just me and my dog which meant that, not only did I get peace and full control of the remote but, because I'm not in my own house, I don't feel guilty for not doing the washing or cleaning. I didn't even have to make small talk with the neighbours as nobody knew me. Do it, you will not regret it.

No chicks were harmed

Some years ago, when I was single and child free, my family announced they were going abroad for Christmas and I wasn't invited. I wish I had had the mindset of having an indulgent day to myself, especially when their plans fell through and I was welcome again.

Your day sounds fabulous, OP, enjoy!

One of my favourite Christmases was spent mostly alone with my cat, watching films, drinking Champagne and eating smoked salmon followed by a delicious gammon based dinner that meant leftovers for days. My best friend came by for a few hours in the evening to watch a film and eat dome more. It was wonderful, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat but I have other people to think of now 😂

Year I got divorced I spent it on my own, with my dog. Was invited to family but genuinely just wanted no pressure or stress and just my own company. It was bloody awesome!

I appreciate its not that easy, but you can say no. I hope you get some time to rest in there this year x

Similar circumstances to me.
I hope you enjoy your first Christmas in your new home with your dog.
I'm in a different country to my family. Will be going for lunch with friends but otherwise will be on my own and I can't wait.