Looks like I'm going to be on my own for Christmas - anyone else?

[Sidge]

So my children are going to be with their dad this Christmas (we're divorced). Last month I split with the guy I'd been seeing - we had planned to spend Christmas together. No family to share it with and whilst a couple of friends have said to go to theirs I don't want to feel like I'm intruding on their family day.

In some ways I don't mind too much being alone - I can sleep late, eat junk and watch loads of crap TV! But I do feel lonely and the idea of being alone on Christmas Day and Boxing Day just seems a bit sad.

Please tell me I'm not the only one!

I will be alone from Xmas day lunchtime onwards. Sucks doesn't it?

I had Xmas day on my own last year and it was absolutely brilliant!!! I have cooked Xmas dinner for all the family for the past seventeen fucking years!!! Last year XH said he would like to have DC for Xmas day so he collected them after they had opened pressies at 11 and I had the rest of the day to loll around drinking excellent wine and eating crap, watching rubbish on TV. I did have several offers from extended family and friends but it was so nice having some time to myself.

I was quite disappointed when he said we weren't doing the same this year!!

Me too..! The first year alone was crap. I cried all day. The second year I planned in advance. Got all my favourite things in, and made it a day of utter laziness and comfort and have done the same ever year since. I actually look forward to my Christmas day alone now.

Why not go to a friends on Boxing Day? Then you can have Xmas day to yourself in pjs, box of chicks and all the good films but you'll know you have somewhere to go the next day

I'm going to get lots of films and some bubbly and chocs in.

box of chicks!!!!

sidge - if it wasn't for my DS, I would prefer to be on my own this year (H left 2 months ago) and would get lots of rubbish food and good wine in.

I know it is really hard though, especially the build up and hope you can make some plans for yourself.

Haha whatnext....my signature typos!!! FGS!! I need an I pad for Xmas!

Sorry op...defo get yourself a box of chocs and not a box of chicks. That would be weird.

Defo think the build up is worse than the day itself.

Me me! Unfaithful fiance gone. Kids with Dads.
Im not sure what im going to do yet.

I had Christmas Day on my own for about 5 years running, and I loved it.
I was a retail manager, and only got one day off.

So couldn't see my family (250 miles away), and wasn't seeing anyone.

I was invited to friends, but didn't fancy making small talk with their families.

So had a M and S foodie day, dvds, champagne.

Someone on my thread suggested volunteering at a homeless shelter. It is something that I have considered doing for years and I will certainly look into it as doing something good for others is what it is all about. Would you consider something similar?

Im going to be on my own from afternoon onwards. I've already bought a huge tub of celebrations and am quite looking forward to it. Don't know what im going to do about a dinner though as I would like to go trad but there's no way im doing a turkey for one.

LOL at box of chicks!

Thanks for sharing, I am sure I won't be the only one alone (and on MN ) on Christmas Day!

I've spent so many years making Christmas special, DD1 is nearly 15 so I've had so many lovely family Christmases and it just makes me feel a bit sad to think that for me, it will be much like any other day this year. They are going to their dad's from the Sunday so I won't see them all week

I spend every evening on the sofa watching TV/online/reading so it's not going to feel particularly special to be doing the same.

mamma good idea, I think I'll ask my friends if I can go there Boxing Day.

I was on my own last christmas. It was quite nice eating and watching crap christmas films.

I had PMT on Christmas eve though when The Snowman and the Snowdog was on. Cried my eyes out. I don't suggest watching that

Whatnext I may find out more about volunteering. I had thought about trying to find a local homeless shelter or charity that provides friendship and lunch at Christmas and offer my services.

I wouldn't advise watching Christmas films though. What about Top Gun, Back to the Future or a few Only Fools and Horses? Just silly stuff that won't upset you.

Sidge, you are not most definitely not the only one! You have actually got a reprieve from having to pretend to be jolly for the day and pleasing everyone. I haven't spent the day totally alone yet but it has been threatened over the years by my exh. It might happen this year but DC are teenagers and will probably spend a lot of time in their rooms as always. I just totally disengage from the build up to Christmas and enjoy the day. I would feel 100% fine about being alone for the day and would actually relish it. I have lots of friends who are dreading the day because they have to spend it with their husbands, in laws, visitors etc who they are not crazy about. There is nothing wrong with being content on your own. I find it very liberating.

Find a series you want to watch on Netflix. I can waste days when I find something good.

Is there any way you could keep sure busy in the lead up to Xmas day? Maybe plan a different friend to have a cuppa with each evening- drop presents round to people, go to Xmas drinks etc etc... Do that by Xmas day you are pleased to sit in front if tv and have a chill out.

When I'm feeling a bit fed up of evenings on my own I make plans and ask friends round for dinner or for a cuppa a few evenings in a row and by the third or fourth evening I'm glad to be on my own again!!

We could have a special festive thread on mn

• super not sure...I give up! ;)

...or we could all go round mamma's

I will be working Christmas Eve day, I usually work until 1400 on a Tuesday but plan to volunteer to work the whole day so my colleague who normally works until 1830 can go home to her family!

I'll try and visit my close friends once the girls have gone on Sunday, so maybe Sunday evening, Monday evening - deliver pressies and have a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie

I have spent the last 9 Christmasses alone. It is not that bad. Some years I even did decorations and a tree.
You could always think about volunteering for a charity over Christmas, if you would rather not be alone.

I have fantasies about spending Xmas day on my own. Champagne, smoked salmon, tv in bed. As it is I have found out today that DS's girlfriends parents have booked a ski-ing holiday and not included her because she has to revise. They are taking her sister. I am livid and I haven't even met them. Anyway she'll have Christmas with us. I am tempted to use the C word for them. Ruddy disgusting to do that to an 18 year old.