Ideas to cheer up redundant DH?

[nnforredundantdh]

DH was made redundant at work, and today is his last day. He's obviously stressed, worried about money, his confidence is low, etc. I work from home, but don't make much money, and most of the time I take care of DS (a toddler).

We are not from the UK and have no family around. Most of our friends are away at this time of year (and the ones from UK are with their families), so we're alone until Boxing Day, when a couple of friends come to stay for a few days (thank god we'll have some company by then).

We haven't decorated the house or bought any special things for Christmas. DH says he doesn't care about Christmas (we're not religious), but I don't want to spend a depressing holiday just the 3 of us, at home, eating the same food we eat everyday.

Also, the three of us have a cold right now, so we are not in the best of moods...

DH has been a bit depressed lately, the cold and short days make it worse, and we're just coming out from quite a few rough months on the marriage (it was hard to adapt to life as a family, but we are much better now).

So, we are by ourselves in London, DH has no job, we can't spend much money, we have a toddler who is a bad sleeper, and we are all a bit ill. But still, I don't want to remember 2011 as a sad Christmas, so I need to think of something. Any suggestions?

Make some paperchains, just need paper (we used wrapping paper) and sellotape. A nice massage. Some walks in the park, with boots if muddy/raining. Writing down your favourite memories of 2011 and hopes for 2012, store it away and look at them next year. I know it has been a tough year, but positive thinking can really help. Good luck.

What about making hot lemon and honey drinks (put some rum or whiskey in yours if you can - even if you just get a miniture bottle) to help with your colds.

If you havent got a christmas tree you could make one out of cardboard we have done this, we painted it green put some glue and glitter on and coloured in some card for baubles and stuck them on.

Keep telling yourselves 2012 will be a better year, I know it's hard but what else can you do?

Normally I'd say to just give him some grieving time but you are right about being miserable at Christmas is especially miserable.

If you like walking then how about a nice one on Christmas day itself. Get some food in that doesnt need much cooking.
Some good looking walks here that take you past some of the sights in London.

oh - no tube or buses on Christmas day. perhaps the walk would be better tomorrow if you liked the idea.

Wow, thanks for the suggestions! We're not exactly broke (yet), as DH is still being paid - but obviously we don't want to spend the money we have as we don't know when he's going to get another job). So, we can afford a Christmas dinner (but we can't go to a nice restaurant), budget presents (no big presents, I may buy some stock fillers) and cheap stuff in general.

I should have thought of something yesterday, so I could try and make a surprise! Now I'm not sure how much I can get done until he's back from the office today (and he'll be in a bad mood and feeling down...)

Off to the supermarket buy wrapping paper, ice cream, and... What else can I get? :)

Does he like beer? if it wont make him maudlin then a nice glass of something and a festive house when he gets back might help.
It was very hard when dh was made redundant, but the weekend after he left we went away for a couple of days, we tried to make it into a celebration of new beginnings. And you know, it was a new beginning, he found a job that he now loves with better conditions. I hope its the same for your dh.

Film and nice food after lo in bed.

A present of a list if all the things you love about him.

Wake him up with, um, something sexy (by which I mean a blow job obviously)

Find a carol service or concert christmas eve.

Go to park so lo can go on swings and take a surprise picnic with you of nice cake and wine if you've walked (mulled in a thermos if possible).

Xx

Went to Sainsburys, bought a lot of things, dropped the beer I got for DH on the checkout! DS was by my side, luckily no one got hurt with the shattered glass. So now we have some food, wine (but not beer...), chocolate Santas and loads of ice cream.