Alone for Christmas

[MeThinksTime]

Hi, looking for some advice. This is my first Christmas alone. Last parent died this year. No other family. DS is with his father for the lead up to, and for, Christmas Day. How do I get through the next few weeks? And how do I get through Christmas Day alone? 😥

Do nice things now with your boy until he does his dads….volunteer somewhere for Christmas ….get some nice food in…..books….watch some box sets…..it’s just a day really

Sorry for your bereavement, my last parent died this year as well, it will make Christmas quite different. I've spent Christmases on my own as well, and found the day itself to be fine, dealing with peoples comments about spending it on my own beforehand was the most stressful bit, so if I was doing it now I would probably make up something to avoid comments! I just bought myself lots of nice food and spent time watching things I wanted to on TV. There's always a thread on here as well for people spending Christmases alone. It does bring up lots of feelings though about lack of family, etc, so just be gentle on yourself.

I’ve never spent Christmas alone but I have spent a few NYE by myself. I agree with @TheKneesOfTheBees that other people’s reactions are what makes it worse. Keep it to yourself and if someone asks yeah say you have plans.

Get yourself your favourite meal, some nice movies or series you like watching, make it a pamper day that’s all about you - it’s the best.

I've spent a few Xmas days alone and actually really enjoyed them. The key for me is to think of it as a chilled out day at home - nice food, full control of the remote abd get out for some fresh air at sone point during the day. I'm very sociable usually but prefer Xmas day solo than spending it with other people :)

This is my first full Christmas without my kids, and my family live too far to visit. I've done it before when younger and no kids, and agree it's the build up, all the questions, the assumptions etc. I found food shopping particularly weird this morning, I guess it's confronting to see everyone buying food for a big family meal etc but for all I know, that's what they thought I was doing. It does feel like perception playing games. I'll be glad when it's over though.

I'd say, stay off social media if you can. Enjoy the TV, get a walk in maybe. I'm going to parkrun, just for something to do!

I have spent the day on my own in the past and found the trick was to treat it just like a dismal Sunday but with yummy food and drink and stuff recorded or to stream on the TV. Long soak before bed with a good book. I agree about staying off sm as the pictures of all the Mr&Mrs Smugs with their perfect children could be vomit making. I used to downplay it in my head but spoil myself where I could. It's only another day. I'm sorry for your loss 💐