First Xmas on my own

[anotherglass]

Hello, this will be the first time in 22 years I have spent Xmas apart from my boys. The family has broken down this year and ex DH and two young adult sons are travelling north to spend it with ex MIL. It was not feasible to split up this year, given the distance. Anyone else spending Xmas on their own ? I thought I would be OK but am having a wobble.

Is it acrimonious with your sons? Or just ex?

Have a wobble, but then get your head around the fact that it’s only a day. Then start planning your own family meal with your boys before or after the actual day, where you can still have a nice family dinner. On the actual Xmas day you’ll be able to ring them. Then organise yourself a lovely day- eat what you want, watch what you want and do what you like. You’ll be fine and possibly a bit proud of yourself too.

Ignore!

Have a look at HF Holidays website. They do short Xmas breaks and festive weekends for folks like you. Might be worth considering.

I speak as someone who has spent the last few years alone (apart from my cat) on Christmas day. I do have family,but for various logistical reasons I see them on Boxing day,not Christmas day. The first time I thought I'd hate being alone on Christmas day,but I actually quite enjoyed it. I got myself a nice stash of delicious food and just spent the day doing nothing but eating and watching TV. In the great scheme of things,it's only one day out of the whole year. And knowing that I'd be going to my DD's on Boxing day was something to look forward to. Will you be seeing your family after Christmas?

Stash of magazines, good tv and loads of food x

Street yourself to a hotel stay. One with a pool and a sauna.

Thank you for posting. All is good with my DS's. I will speak to them on the day but I have no other family in this country so it is going to be strange without them around.

A good suggestion. Thank you. x

This on the list of options. Doing something completely different might be the best plan.

Lots of people:
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/christmas/5439792-anyone-else-spending-christmas-alone?page=1

Great that you are able to make the most of the peace and quiet while others are away. I won't see my brood until the 28th. A Xmas celebration before they leave is going to be arranged. I am leaning towards a mini break here or overseas as I have time on my hands.x

Thank you @Gingercar Xmas dinner before they go is a great idea. I will book this weekend. x

I can see why you’d have a wobble over that. It’s so many Christmases that you’ve spent together. If I were you I’d plan a lovely pampering day where you treat yourself to the things you love. Plan lots of things if that’s something that would appeal to you.

There was another thread about people spending Christmas alone and someone mentioned there’s usually a thread on the day for people who are spending Christmas alone.

This does sound good! x

I got a puppy so I would have a companion. My children are still young but I don’t like being on my own when they’re at school. Another heartbeat in the house and a life that lives alongside me, is pleased to see me and wants a cuddle often. This dog is part of my survival strategy, I don’t know how I’d manage the days without him, and my 3 cats.

I'm on my own now until December 28. Have a hotel booked in Cambridge for 23-25. A friend offered to have me over on Xmas Day but it is in London and trains not running. I've decided to go to a fancy hotel in Cambridge over Xmas period. It will be a nice distraction. I am not feeling particularly social.