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Happy Christmas to all the single mums

10 replies

warmleatherette · 25/12/2023 06:23

Happy Christmas to you. Whether you've got them today or it's a Christmas without them. Or perhaps you have zero shared care and can only dream of what time apart from them might be like.

Our days will not look like what the days in the main bit of Mumsnet look like... and that's ok. Good enough is good enough.

Sometimes it's hard to summon excitement and make magic when your family is tiny and it's just you steering the ship. When you're tired and overwhelmed just from life itself and now you have to expend energy and money you don't have on a day that will soon blend into all the other days. But you'll do it. Because you always do. I see you. I am you. Much love to you.

Here's a thread to post about how our small, non-traditional days are going. Single mum fam - you're the best. 

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
LadyGwendoline · 25/12/2023 06:52

Thank you for this supportive post! I live very rurally so have no network of support of other single parents, reading this made me feel far less alone (no family left sadly and friends live far away).
I’ve five children ranging from adult to five years, and I work from home at night so am knackered, but the house is cosy and tidy(ish), I kept the fire in overnight and will go get the kids in 10 minutes. I know we’ll have a lovely day, we are a very close family and I’m very blessed. But very tired!
Thanks Again, hope yours and every single parent’s day is gentle and overall happy.

rockingbird · 25/12/2023 07:06

Aww what a lovely post!! Thanks for starting this, what a fantastic idea. Social media is full of matching pjs and trees brimming with presents, I never post anything like that for fear of upsetting others less fortunate. The boys are still sleeping, we had a lovely Christmas Eve bowling session.. board games then bed. I'm really looking forward to today, I feel much more prepared than in previous years - last year we'd just moved into our new forever home so it was all a bit up in the air ☺️ have a wonderful day everyone! xx

Paris14eme · 25/12/2023 07:12

Thanks for this OP. Many happy returns to you and to all the other single mums reading this too. My four children are with their dad until later today. Cannot wait to have them home, open presents under the tree from me and play games like Cleudo, Uno and charades in front of the fire this evening. Make memories, basically. I’m going to go to church this morning, then outside to walk our beautiful springer spaniel, I’ll then stretch, meditate and be thankful for my life and for my kids. ExH is getting re- married in 2024, meanwhile I split up with my partner of 4+ years in late 2023 (he was a total bully it turned out, plus very tight with money so I ended it) so it has been hard this year. I’m looking forward to a better, brighter and much, much happier 2024. Wishing you all the best for the New Year. Onwards and upwards.

warmleatherette · 25/12/2023 11:59

Thank you so much @LadyGwendoline @Paris14eme @rockingbird . I felt a bit sad when I posted that message - because it was what I needed to hear - and it was so heartwarming to read that it made you feel less alone @LadyGwendoline .

My two teens and I actually managed to have a lovely morning opening gifts... I even received a couple of hugs and genuine smiles! Off to my parents' house now (so at least I don't have to cook), and I even heard that their other parent managed to send them a text message (his generosity knows no bounds!)

Wishing each and everyone one of us grafting on our own a beautiful afternoon and evening, and continued peace for 2024. 🤗

OP posts:
MintJulia · 25/12/2023 12:08

Thank you OP, Happy Christmas to you and your little family too.

This morning I've prepped the veg, finished the wrapping, then got teen ds up and we've done presents and family messaging.

I got his presents right 🤗 Yay!!

Now we're off for a walk with some friends, then back to cook a late lunch and laze in front of the fire. Christmas film, or perhaps Monopoly or Escape room later.

TreasurePieLand · 25/12/2023 12:11

Oh, how lovely! Thank you. My children are older teens now and we’re having a quiet but lovely day. They got in my bed to open their presents and bought me really thoughtful things.

I used to worry because our christmases were always big, with exH’s family. But my two seem happy and are having a day with that side of the family later in the week.

Happy Christmas, to you all. I hope it’s a good one, however your day pans out.

Getupatdawn · 25/12/2023 12:38

Thank you. Only DS and I today, we'll go to my parents later but not in any rush. Enjoying the peace and quiet.
Merry Christmas all.

Darkenergy · 25/12/2023 18:22

Thank you op. I'm widowed and my family are hopeless so it's been me and dd alone all day. We played with the new toys this morning, then I cooked and we've spent most of the afternoon in front of the TV. She's very happy but I feel a bit of a failure. Still, onwards we go. Merry Christmas to you.

rockingbird · 26/12/2023 10:53

I hope you all had a lovely day yesterday. Wasn't so bad eh?! I was actually dreading it.. turned out to be a lovely day, I'm actually feeling very positive today.

JimnJoyce · 26/12/2023 15:19

That's a lovely idea for a new thread. i'm a single parent and started a thread a couple of days ago (not about Xmas) as I'm just out of hospital after having an op and DD15 (who is autistic) is supposed to be helping me with things i can't manage at the moment.
It has not been the best christmas for a number of reasons, but I think us lone parents are generally supposed to just get on with it aren't we?
I am at least having a peaceful Xmas.

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