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 wrapping presents, making some nice decorations for the table tomorrow, or prepping the veg- there is always loads to do just before Christmas- how about making a batch of mince pies or some lovely biscuits for snacks?
Still got time on your hands? I'd slip in the DVD of Box of Delights and get in the Christmas spirit.

Pour yourself a glass of what you enjoy, have some delicious nibbles and be grateful you’re not spending the whole of Christmas alone like many people.

But there is nothing inherently wrong with spending Christmas alone.

Posts here and across MN implying or stating that it’s only sad, lonely losers who do so are part of the reason why half of this forum is filled with desperate women in utterly shitty relationships, afraid to leave because no one has shown them that they can live as an independent human being.

Then there are those who post asking what terrible global shame they would live under if they dared to eat a meal in a restaurant alone. Or drink anything at all in a cocktail bar alone. Or buy one ticket and watch a film, or play, or opera, in an auditorium by themselves.

It beggars belief.

I love my alone time and independence, I crave it. Someone up thread described themselves as a social introvert, that’s probably me. Are you often always with people ? It seems like it’s a novelty for you to ever be alone? X

sounds like heaven. I wouid make sure I had everything done by lunchtime, then spend the 5 hours reading a book, watching a film, etc.

So many lovely ideas here. Might see if the DH will take the kids out for a few hours myself 😂

Id definitely put on a Christmas film, glass of bubbly, prep the veg etc, probably ring my mum/sister for a chat, do last minute wrapping etc, nice bath. But then I’m not one for going out on Christmas Eve. 😃

If I'd actually finished the long list of tasks including wrapping presents and prepping food? It might be worth doing any food prep you can so you can enjoy Christmas Day a bit more. Make the starter and bung in fridge, prep veg and sausages in blankets. You can also precook things that will take it and then just reheat them. Yorkshire puddings taste better this way I think.

Then long bath using all the hot water and a Christmas book (Tricia Ashley one for preference). Followed by wine, decent chocolates or savoury snacks whilst watching Christmas movie. Muppets Christmas Carol, Last Christmas, Elf depending on mood.

Same here.

Another one that finds it weird that you don’t know what to do for 5 hours! Christmas Eve is a normal day and everything will be open (might close a bit earlier). Do you never have time to yourself ?

👏 I got attacked for saying as much but you're absolutely right!

Finding jt a bit weird you need to come here and ask for ideas? (A) on what for lots of people is a busy day with endless jobs and (b) that you don't know what you'd like to do. We can't tell you!

I am SO jealous!

I would spend about 2 hours prepping and doing anything in advance for the next day. Veg peeled, last minute wrapping, table sorted etc etc..

The remaining 3 I would sit on the sofa with a cosy blanket, some wine, some cheese and some christmas movies on! Relax! Tomorrow is going to be mental and all about the kids.

This is YOUR time to RELAX!

Christmas eve is a normal shopping day… in fact probably the busiest day of the year!

I’d probably put the TV on though or go to bed for a few hours… I mean Christmas Day will be hectic depending on children’s ages, so I’d make the most of some me time…

If you book it now you can probably get hair, nails or something done!

I do not have a problem with being on my own, but I am rarely on my own. I run a company and work in an office, I have three kids. My life is full, I am very appreciative.
I do not want to spend 5 hours at home on Xmas Eve as I will do chores (domestic chores are bane of my life... I do not have a dh problem before that's the next Q, just an issue with the soul crushing repetitive nature of domestic duties).
Since having dc1 (year 11) I haven't done anything else than be in the house (or max the local kids church service) with my kids and dh on Xmas Eve afternoon. As an adult pre kids Xmas Eve pm was about the pub!
Thanks to everyone for the ideas, apologies to baffling the people who have expressed bemusement or concern for this thread 😂

God, I'd love that, wine, cheesy christmas films, and quality street. What else could you possible need

I go to Carol service /Christingle type service on my own every Xmas eve afternoon

I used to work for a Company that had it's Christmas lunch on Christmas Eve. You could see how depressed the staff of the restaurant were and everyone was desperate to go home. I always feel like that going out on Christmas Eve whatever I choose to do. I'd possibly find an Exhibition or something that I'd wanted to see at the cinema and go and enjoy myself with a meal and that. Or find a Christmas market to pootle around as my family get restless at them. Or persuade my friend to go to the panto and just have a de-stress.

I would also sadly start scrubbing the kitchen or deep cleaning the bathroom tiles if I had five hours at home...

But why would you do that @pollymere?

Can't you just leave it and enjoy doing something just for you?

Have you RTFT? Or even all of OPs comments. She is worried she'll end up doing housework if she stays at home rather than relaxing.

Glass of baileys and ice, christmas songs, baking, and preparing hot choclates for everyone to come home to would be my choice. Even though im not a good baker 😂😂