Enjoying the festive period alone

[RedMapleLeaf]

Anyone interested in sharing ideas and thoughts on this?

A few years ago I spent xmas alone, before dh & kids came along. I had a nice nibble selection to myself all day like dips crisps nibble bits like that, lit my festive yankee candle, few glasses of chardonnay, and watched movies all day.

• Making homemade gifts/food in the lead up
• Getting some good Christmassy/feelgood films sorted in advance
• Book a nice pampering session (massage/facial etc)
• Buy a nice fluffy throw and cushion to enjoy cosy nights on sofa
• Get your favourite tipple in and some foodie treats...
• Crisp winter walks if you have a dog
• Invite friends over for drinks one night if possible
• A good book by the fire
• Get some nice xmassy bubble bath from Lush for a hot bath with a xmas candle burning and a glass of vino!

For more people-oriented/sociable stuff:

• attend a carol service at church
• volunteer
• christmas shopping nights with regular breaks for gingerbread lattes! :)

I'm hoping to make the most of every social invite, and then plan 'themed' time alone. So instead of having, say, 5 nights alone, I'll have one pamper evening, one film night, one screen-free night etc. Does that make sense?

Yes, that all sounds lovely - I think my ideas above fit into your theme ideas nicely :)

What about a planning night where you go online/Pinterest etc and create a bit of a wishlist/plan for the year ahead - clothes; decor; recipes; travel; fitness etc

I've had Christmas Day by myself a couple of times as well as other days over the period. I think the thing to do is make sure you have stuff planned to entertain/relax/pamper you. I have also volunteered at a homeless shelter and had one of the best boxing days ever.

I do think it's best to get out and about as well as doing the pamper and snuggling in front of the TV type stuff.

Spending Christmas by yourself isn't a terrible thing although it's often portrayed as such. Make your Christmas exactly what you want it to be and enjoy it. I loved not having to be considerate of other people over the festive period.

Spending Christmas by yourself isn't a terrible thing

I agree, that's why I wrote a cheerful title. However, I think that enjoying the entire festive period and not just the one day, is where the challenge can be.

It wouldn't bother me. I'd have a huge Netflix and Christmas TV binge and I'd go to the gym on every day it's open.

I wouldn't want friends feeling that they must invite me though! An elderly single neighbour of mine has to fend off myriad well-meaning people every year, because she just wants peace and quiet in her own home despite being very gregarious generally. She does go to another woman's house party on Boxing Day though, because there are old acquaintances there whom she only gets to see annually.

I'm pleased to hear that you're not bothered, and are looking forward to your time at the gym and on Netflix. I too am hoping to get to the gym a lot.