First Christmas after breakup

[Teatimes2]

So I've posted before about how my five-year relationship came to an end in February when he said he'd never loved me. Overall, I'm going okay now, not heartbroken anymore, although I do still think about things a lot. I'm starting to dread this Christmas now a little bit. For one thing, we were in a hobby club together, which I haven't returned to, which always does nice events at this time of year.

I suppose I'm asking is it normal to find the first Christmas after a breakup a little hard?

Of course it’s normal. Can you plan some new stuff, change your routines? Hope you feel better soon 🌹

I had a breakup from a 3 year relationship in September of 2019. We had been living together and all things pointed to marriage etc but i realised we were so different and i ended it which was very difficult. I was with family etc over Christmas 2019 but still ended up crying to myself in the bathroom on boxing day. My advise, cry when you need to. Let it out. What i did that Christmas was limit my alcohol intake as it only made me sadder. I got myself about 10 books to read and really enjoyed them. Different topics, some on breakups and some more general feel good type. I went walks, had coffee in cafes, treated myself to some new clothes and skincare etc. The new year was actually a great turning point, i didnt what to be sad anymore, i took up running with a group and just found ways to focus my mind. In the spring of 2020 i went back on dating apps and met someone autumn 2020 and im glad i gave myself the time time to reflect and heal from the past. You will be fine, it just takes time and a new focus

I am the opposite - the first Christmas after the break up of a long unhappy relationship and I feel liberated and am very much looking forward to a lovely day, relaxing with the dog, a few dog walks, nice food, some champagne and lying on the sofa and watching films etc. Compared to the horrible unhappy Christmases I endured for years, this one will be fabulous.
Just do what you can to have the sort of day that would make you happy - treat it like a Sunday.

Yes I hated Christmas after my breakup it can feel lonely but just surround your self with family and friends and make sure you do plenty of fun things and get yourself out the house.

Oh and avoid social media for a few days over Christmas, it makes you sad seeing all the loved up posts, engagement announcements etc. anything that has a negative impact on your mental health - Avoid! I also went out for dinner with friends and realised i was the only single person at the table, that hurt. They were all discussing babies and husbands and i felt awful, i had a cry then too but soon pulled myself together!

how about volunteering - my sister volunteered at a YMCA helping the homeless with meals on Xmas day and took took an elderly lady to church ( contacted Age UK )
Too many expectations on Christmas to be happy with friends and family - it is ok to do something different