What would you do for solo Xmas?

[Makingalistcheckingittwice]

It’s my first year without the kids at Xmas. ( they’re off to visit ex-H’s parents in other country for a week)

now I’ve got used to the idea, I’m really looking forward to it!

I fancy taking myself away for a couple of days at least- maybe longer, but not sure what to do as I’ll be alone.

I’m thinking being in the countryside, or doing something outdoorsy.

also worried I might be lonely.

anyone know of any groups that cater for single parents without kids on Xmas day? Might be nice to meet up with people for lunch before going home and sitting in front of telly!

anyone been in the situation? What did you do?

I’d go somewhere sunny and spend Christmas by the pool, sipping cocktails.
Basically the exact opposite of Christmas.

If I could afford it, travel to a lovely European city & visit lots of galleries & museums.
Otherwise, stay home alone, refuse to see anybody, get lots of sleep, watch old films on TV, read books, drink wine & just have a wonderful time.
I understand that you might miss your children, but what makes you think you would be lonely? Do you not enjoy your own company?

Spa hotel I think , lots of country walks and pampering .

If I had the money I would book a cosy little cottage in the Lakes. There would be nice food from Booths, long walks, good books and champagne. Good it sounds fabulous.

OMG @DisforDarkChocolate are you me??!!!

I would do a spa hotel in a European city. Take great books and your favourite chocs!

At least I know if this ever happens I can find someone to meet for a drink.

I forgot to add cheese, there will be lots of good cheese.

OMG the cheese!! Yes!!

I’ll look you up if this ever happens to me!

I’d book a cottage by the wintry sea, take all my favourite Christmas films with me, order all the food I love best at Christmas, grab a pile of books and my body weight in cheese and have my perfect Christmas break.

I think I'd probably go on some sort of trip, connected to my interests, as likely there'll be others and I can pick up some culture too. Definitely a wine tour built in! And take the books I always meant to read!

If I had the money I’d go on a cruise.

However, on a more practical note, I would Google it for your local area, there is usually some kind of community event run by a church or temple if you wanted to meet up with some others.

Other then that get some delicious wine, a good book and whatever you fancy eating. Plan a FaceTime with your kids or other friends and family and then just enjoy some me time. Sounds heavenly really.

I had a xmas alone with my baby one year. I watched the xmas TV, had a bottle of cava, made a delicious dinner for us.

I spent one xmas at a friend's but didn't enjoy that. I like to be able to drink and chill to the max.

Alone I'd make a delicious dinner, have some booze to leisurely drink through the day. I'd watch all the xmas TV soaps and quiz shows. I don't usually watch TV so it would be a fun treat.

If i was to go out I'd go to a nice hotel perhaps and have dinner there but I feel like that would put happy families in my face and increase the chance I'd become acutely lonely.

I think staying home and doing exactly what you want is the way to go. I hold that memory very fondly, I know I was with my baby but I resisted all attempts to make me be with someone and was "alone" that xmas and it was lovely.

A tiny little cottage on the Cardigan coast. Walking distance to the beach, shop and a pub. Fancy food and drinks. Log fire and twinkly lights.

Same as @PorkPieAndAPickledOnion somewhere next to a stormy sea with an open fire, blankets, films and food.

Go for the occasional walk, pick up some
interesting shells/sea glass, take loads of arty photos and come home pink cheeked and salty, have a hot bubbly bath with candles and music then snuggle up in cashmere jammies and socks and hibernate with food, fire and films.
Bloody blissful
(I would maybe have to take my cat for snuggles too )

I'd hire a beautiful log cabin in Scotland, buy myself some of my favourite foods, pack my kindle and buy myself a special gift and set it aside for christmas morning. I'd also hire a dog to join me on my getaway! I've been looking at the "borrow my doggy" website, there are dozens of local beautiful dogs on there near me, and I'm sure there would be plenty of people looking for a dog babysitter over Christmas. Can't have a dog as dh is allergic, but that would be my dream Christmas, me and a dog in the beautiful countryside.

If I had the money I’d go on a cruise

This ^^

The best Christmas I ever had was as a single on a cruise. That was before GC. Grab it while you can. You won’t be disappointed. It’s an amazing experience! Go for it!

These suggestions sound amazing!

I’m definitely going to have champagne, cheese, chocolate and loads of good books and films. @VerveClique @DisforDarkChocolate You are more than welcome to join me! 😄

@Hbh17 defiintely enjoy my own company- it’s just the fact it’s xmas day made me wonder if I’d miss my kids.

thanks everyone- this thread has made really excited about the prospect again…was having a wobble!

I've just had a good think about your Q and my ideas aren't really what you are thinking, but I'll chuck them into the mix in case you like them:

Idea 1: Let it be known that I'm kid free/ alone for Xmas and then taken my pick from whatever invitations I get from people kind enough to extend one. Only pick a very very fun sounding option.

Idea 2: Find a volunteering opportunity to do something worthwhile outside of my house for part of the day then hole up with nice food, a fire and tv by myself Christmas night

Idea 3 (most likely for me): Sleep in, leisurely breakfast with many coffees at home while reading a book, long bracing walk w dog, home for lovely food and my choices of tv in front of fire.

I'd book a hotel room by the sea. Let them cook your Xmas dinner for you. I'd get nice champagne and chocolates for my room. I'd go walking along beach if not raining. Can you ring your children Xmas day? If not I'd try to ring other family or friends in afternoon. You can watch.wstever you like on TV too.

I love how much everyone is enjoying this fantasy! I think we are all quite jealous! op I hope you have a lovely time

Hole up at home, lots of food from m&s, heating on, watching lots of great tv, favourite drinks, lounging in bed with books or Audible books. Really fab chocolates. Hope you have a lovely time whatever you decide OP.

I'd go to Paris personally

I am jealous of the solo Christmas and there are lovely suggestions on here.

We always do a pre Christmas with my MIL as we don’t get on with FIL (whole long story…). This is basically a second Christmas, we do the whole works. So I suggest you do that with your kids and then Christmas Day is just a nice solo day for you with lots of luxury and things you like.

I'd book a cottage, with a woodburner, take some champagne and my darling dog, walk, listen to podcasts and be as happy as a pig in shit. Am so done with Christmas excesses.

If I was away a couple of days I'd go to the coast. Its only about 30mins to a little seaside village. I'd stick a few jigsaws in the car, take food that didn't need more than warming through (eg part baked bread and soups), go for a few walks while listening to a podcast, and binge a series of something on the evenings.

I'd open the prosecco after my walk, mid afternoon each day then go to bed about 9!