So this year I will be completely alone at Christmas - any ideas?

[Pacif1cDogwood]

Divorce is about to come through.
DSs 1-4 will be with STBXH.
My family live abroad - I would need to quarantine both ways if I were to travel which I have no intention of doing (my dad is 87 and really me visiting them would be such a risk).

I like my own company.
I am not a sentimental type - last year I had the boys, this year he does. Hey ho.
But I'd still like to have some kind of plan, I think.

So:

1. I could work. Plenty of work available over the holidays in my profession, would be v handsomely paid.
2. I could volunteer. Shelter? There must be something somewhere I could meaningfully do.
3. I could pack the dog and me in the car and camp out in the country side for a couple of nights (easily accessible wilderness near where I live, I would not even have to leave my health board area ).
4. I could stay at home and eat and drink my body weight in yummy but empty calories

Anybody else in a similar situation? What are your plans??
I am not actually dreading being on my own over the holiday, I'm more worried that I am not worried IYKWIM - maybe I am deluding myself?!
Dunno.

Tell me you've experienced this and It Was Absolutely Fine.
Ta muchly.

This is what I would do:

Amazing breakfast and glass of Prosecco if I stayed at home

OR

Book a night or so in a lovely spa hotel and have room service!! Rent a fantastic film

Plus an element of zoom festivities with my family overseas.

I’ve had Christmas Day completely alone a couple of times - I was single with no dc, and my mother had recently met her now husband and wanted to be with him. Only siblingis married and going to in-laws.

It was FINE. In the run up I had invitations to spend it with friends, and could tell people were worried about me/felt sorry for me.

I went to M&S and got loads of nice food, stuff that just had to go in the oven. Crisps, chocolate, wine. Downloaded some books I really fancied for my kindle.

On Christmas Day I had a long lie, then a bacon sandwich. Had a huge bubble bath, reading my book, watched some TV, then had all the food. I remember watching a load of episodes of The Inbetweeners later on which was good because it wasn’t proper Christmas TV.

The only time I felt a bit sad was opening presents on my own.

Once DP and I got together I had a year when I was invited to his family Christmas but felt a bit weird about it, so spent most of the day alone, then he came round in the evening. (He brought cheese and pudding, so that worked out very well!)

I have indulged in a fancy advent calendar, bought Christmas decorations bits and pieces on etsy and tk maxx, got the Christmas treats in the cupboard. Also got a small Christmas tree already.

Good idea on planning the actual day. I'm trying to save the crown on netflix for Christmas and NY and in-between.

I'm sure i will make myself a lovely roast.

I'm slightly nervous also....my first Christmas alone as I can't travel and I hope my MH issues won't flare up and I won't just feel sorry for myself

Definitely work, it’ll take your mind off not being with children. You will have company and it’ll give others a chance to have a shift off with their family.

Also good money!

@vivariumvivariumsvivaria

I'd work for the cash and to curry favour with colleagues. And I'd indulge myself when I'm at home with a good book, a deep bath and a right good wank.

If you can get a stove for the camping I would do it - some lovely silence and empty minding and not to chilly with the right gear. You could take some battery outside lights for a nearby tree. I don't mind being in he cold as long as I am warm and have access to hot drinks etc

We are having a just us three Christmas at the moment but also have an open offer to a friend in a not great situation looking forward to both options. Lots of tidying up to do which ever option we go for

Enjoy yourself, what ever floats your boat etc and report back next year :-)