Plans for lone Christmas?

[Misty9]

Had a search but couldn't see anything. I'll be mostly alone for Christmas, except for the dc, 9 and 6, coming for Xmas afternoon until boxing day lunch as it's their dad's week. Obviously that's not the same as being completely alone, but all organising still falls to me. So what are people planning to celebrate alone? I would say loads of food but I have stupid dietary restrictions which make that hard. Not impossible, but just harder.

I’m probably not who you want to hear from as all my Christmases are surrounded by people, and I stay sane by imagining how I would spend a Christmas alone.

For me there would be a box set to watch, or a few things bookmarked on Netflix. A long bubble bath, using a whole bottle of bubbles. I’d take the time to do my hair and nails (I’m a rushed off my feet slob the rest of the time). There would be nice food- not necessarily loads if that’s a problem, but I’d take time over a good meal. I’d stock up on books and light a fire to sit by, or light lots of candles, or both.

I hope this doesn’t come across as making light of the situation of people who are alone at Christmas. I’m sure, in reality, I’d find it hard going rather than the calm relief it feels like in my daydreams. But maybe there’s a few useful ideas all the same.

Thanks for replying and it doesn't feel like you're making light, don't worry. I might take myself off for a beach walk if it's dry. Problem is motivating myself when I'm on my own...

Definitely something to get you outside. A walk in the cold and then back to a toasty house (and bath?) with plenty to read, watch and something that is a proper treat for you. Drink, food or a cosmetic product like a luxurious hand cream? Doesn't have to be expensive. Massive sleep.

Maybe there is some local volunteering to be done? I remember the year my mum and dad split up my mum spent Christmas Day serving meals to homeless people to pass the day in a different way.

Have a relaxing lovely time as well as a lovely festive time with the dcs.

I’d definitely plan a walk. I’d also have a bunch of new things on hand to do depending on what takes my fancy on the day eg podcast tv show movie book beauty treatment.

I’d probably schedule a nap too

Please do the beach walk. It will make the box sets all the more enjoyable.

Lovely ideas all. Is no one else on their own for Christmas then...?

I have had Christmases on my own and it was always fine. I have helped out at the homeless shelter, visited relatives for a small part of the day (not meal times) and had a friend pop over to see me to escape their family for a bit. I ensured that I cooked the lovely food I liked and had really wonderful long walks with my dogs.

TBH it IS only one day but there is so much hype over it there was a worry about being a failure (for me) for being alone. The reality was I had a lovely time and should I be in this position again I would not worry but look forward to the day of totally pleasing myself.

Due to COVID, I think there is more pressure this year than any other have the “perfect day.” OP, figure out what will make this Christmas the perfect day for you alone and then do this. Ignore past traditions and old routines and focus on why will make you happy.

I have my dc Christmas Day but not Boxing Day, I plan on relaxing, maybe a little walk and watching something cheesy on Netflix.

Before I met DP I used to spend from 3pm christmas day until 28th alone. The DC's would be with me on Christmas eve and until 3pm christmas day, so like you not completey alone but still alone. I used (and still do) buy the christmas bumper issue of TV times and would circle everything I wanted to watch. On boxing day I wouldn't change from my pyjamas, I'd lounge all day, eating leftovers from the day before, have any nice food and just watch christmas TV, read, listen to music, have mid afternoon naps, basically whatever I wanted . It wasn't anything exciting but I surprisingly enjoyed it. On the 27th I'd, after spending all day indoors on the 26th I'd crave fresh air so I'd go for a nice long walk. I enjoyed it so much that it became tradition; I still have a lazy day on the 26th and a hike on the 27th.