Christmas Eve Afternoon Alone

[Shambles123]

So, I will have approx 5 hours of Xmas Eve alone as DH taking kids and ILs into London for an activity. I can't go as will be working till about lunchtime Xmas Eve and there are two dogs to consider. After work and dog walk I will have 5 hours alone Xmas Eve.

Am wondering what I can do, has anyone done this before and have any good ideas? Am assuming lots of places not open and my friends are likely to be with their families!

I’d be ensuring that I didn’t have a list of chores to be done in preparation for Christmas Day, so that this would be my own time! So I’d maybe -

Have a Bailey’s or a wine with a mince pie or two and watch a favourite or festive movie or read a good book. Maybe a lovely relaxing bath beforehand.

Wander around some lovely shops (if you are lucky enough to live in an area with these!) and have lunch in a good cafe or a coffee and cake.

Same here, decent walk while it's still light then about an hour or so before the supermarkets shut quick look in any that are convenient to see if there's any good bargains, especially things like seafood, cheese or dessert that might have looked a bit expensive at full price. I've done this before and the shops have been dead but some decent reductions available.

Then back home to leisurely drink a bottle of fizz with nibbles and watch something Christmassy on TV.

Depends where you live and what you enjoy OP! 5 hours wouldn’t be long enough for me 😅 I’d have to choose between staying in and pottering about with food prep or hosting arrangements etc with a film on or some music, or pottering out into town and seeing what’s happening. Might be local carols or something? We’re a bit rural, and we have a local Mummers play every Christmas that tours the pubs in surrounding villages for a few afternoons leading up to Christmas. Until this year I’ve always had to work like mad up to Christmas and all day Christmas Eve, so I’m hoping to take advantage of what’s going on!

If you want to be with people find a christingle service. They are not long so the dogs are ok.

Then have a dinner I want that takes minimal prep and watch a film. As pp say if there is an M&S or Waitrose do a quick shop to get luxury items reduced.

You say you've got dogs , take them for a lovely walk in the country or your favourite park . Come home and take a long bath with special products . Have your favourite ready meal or foodie treat , watch a film or start a book you've always meant to read .

Thank you all! No, Im very excited about being alone! I dont want to waste it! As Xmas Day and Boxing Day will be mostly at home with said ILs I am wondering about trying to do something out of the house. Church service is a nice idea, might also see if any galleries or museums etc locally might be open...

Dogs would be ok post walk to be alone for a bit!

I’d extend my dog walk, then go for a drink somewhere cosy and dog friendly!

Pub. Good Book. Beer (or drink or choice). Just soak up the atmosphere.

Sounds lush.

I wouldn't be planning anything. Sitting down with wine and a crap Christmas movie.

I would see how life goes and think about it the day before unless you plan on socialising with friends.

@VimesandhisCardboardBoots that's my idea of heaven as well.
I have plans to do this with one afternoon with my eldest before she goes back to Uni
Edited to added a fire in said pub wouldn't go amiss either

This ! Pretty much my Christmas Eve afternoon and it’s great 😆

I've been to the cinema a few times on Christmas Eve - one of our local ones in particular shows a few Christmas classics on the run-up (e.g. It's a Wonderful Life, White Christmas as well as more recent ones) and it's always a lovely atmosphere.

5 hours! Bliss!!!!

Dinner prep for Christmas Day with Christmas tunes on and a glass of fizz, followed by a relaxing hot peaceful bath and still time for a box of chocs and a Christmas Movie before they all get back. 😊

Text your best mate and ask her if she would like to sneak out to the pub for a glass of the nicest champagne that you can afford!

Lots of places will close early on CE so that their staff can get home, so if you want to get out and about I would check the weather forecast on the day and then plan a winter walk somewhere (if weather dry and not too cold! )Otherwise stay in and do something you enjoy.

Oo cinema is a good idea. I fancy getting out of my domestic treadmill a bit but understand people want to go home to families so things don't stay open.

In our area the outdoor lido opens for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day - the water is toasty warm and it's lovely.

I’ve never known anything to shut on Xmas eve afternoon

I like cold water swimming... Not sure why I hadn't thought of something to do with that!!! Thank you!

Last year our local cinema had a Christmas Eve special in the afternoon. Christmassy film, glass of mulled wine and a mince pie (both better quality than I’d expected) included. I thought there’d be a few older people like me there, but it was packed with people of all ages, and was a really nice relaxed couple of hours. I recommend it if you have something similar nearby.

Edited to say: I see I was beaten to this suggestion!

This sounds like bliss!

Snuggly pyjamas, slippers, bottle of Baileys, xmas film of choice, under duvet or go to the cinema and indulge in a few hours of down time away from the madding crowds.

A few years ago, I went for a massage at an Aveda Salon on Christmas Eve and it was an amazing relaxing way to spend the afternoon. Although I had made sure I’d finished all my Christmas wrapping first!
Enjoy your Christmas Eve 🎄