On my own at Christmas

What about helping out ... most towns have a Sally Army that do a Christmas Dinner for those on their own could you offer to help with the preparation I ve always said if I m on my own that’s what I ll do

Could you volunteer? I understand lots of places need help over Christmas, obviously depends where you live of course.

I think I'd settle for the eating and watching TV! I’ve always wanted to do this.

You could go to the nearest cathedral or church and sing carols. You don’t need to be religious to enjoy that.

Do you have any neighbours in the same position - could you arrange to go out for lunch with them? Find out if the local hospital need any volunteers for visiting those with no family. Or maybe just help with lunch prep at the local soup kitchen if there is one.

my OH doesn't like Christmas though he makes the effort to go to our Daughters and spend the day with all the family.He says he wants to volunteer at the local church this year ,they supply dinner for folk on their own or who are homeless or unable to find the money for their own dinner.My daughter is not amused ,I think if its what he wants to do he should do it.We've never had a christmas day on our own in 44 years so mmaybe he would enjoy it or it would let him see what he has had over the years that others owuld love to have .Whatever you decide,enjoy your day.

Yes, church service on Christmas Day, very uplifting to the spirit, followed by long walk ( do you have a dog?) not that one is necessary, but I would have a dog if on my own.
Volunteering if you want to do it.
On the days around Christmas a local theatre performance, cinema.
Plenty of good books to read and yes, a bit of eating and drinking.
Phoning far flung friends.

Maybe you could find a hotel which is doing a Christmas break?

If you don't have pets of your own, but like them. I wonder if someone local going away at Christmas would like their dog looked after for the day? Much better in your home than a kennels, and you could enjoy a walk together. Obviously you'd have to make contact before the day. Perhaps Walk my Doggy?

A lot of people seem to enjoy volunteering on Christmas Day.

Are there any other people alone who'd like to join you, just for tea and cake?

Buy a new Wi fit game, perhaps a dance one, and go for it. Go to the zoo, or a bike ride?

My best friend on her own but always invited to one of her children for Christmas declined last year and told me she so wanted her own Christmas on her own in her own house with only herself to worry about but at the last minute a close friend insisted she had dinner with her so she did but this year she has told me catergorically she won’t accept any invitations as she’s determined to do what she wants on Christmas Day by herself
I would definitely help out at the Sally Army if I was in your position I m not a Christmas lover and look forward greatly to Jan when it’s all done and dusted

I would suggest something fairly small just to break up the day.
You nay find many organisations have a waiting list for people who want to volunteer.

I decorated a room once. Very satisfying it was too.

Another time I went to Antarctica. That was pretty good as well......

Thanks for the ideas -some really good ones. Particularly like the idea of singing in church or looking after a dog for Christmas.

Just wanted to add, volunteering on Christmas Day is much more popular than you would otherwise think, lots of places actually are oversubscribed or have waiting lists , so if that was something you were thinking of doing I would advise checking it out sooner rather than later. Whatever it is you do, may I wish you a very happy and fulfilled contented day.

A friend of mine spent last Christmas on her own in front of the telly with a large bottle of prosecco - and enjoyed every minute!

I'd be quite happy with the "TV and food" option myself, lol.

I have spent many Christmases on my own and I start on Christmas Eve! I prefer food like fish rather than turkey so I try to buy a selection of pre-cooked fish which I love and instead of veg and potato I have fresh crusty bread and a lovely bottle of dry white. If TV is not brilliant I usually have something I recorded previously so I am more than happy. Do what you want not what is expected.

We will have visitors from Australia this year so are going to see the queen and all on their way to church. We have never done it before.
Is there something ‘special’ going on in your area?

Out of choice, my daughter and I don't spend Christmas or Boxing day together. She is married with 4 children, one of whom is on the autistic spectrum, and they spend the two days together. We see each other on Christmas Eve and again on the 27th, my youngest GDs birthday.
It works for us.
On Christmas Day I help cook a Christmas dinner for up to 60 people who would otherwise be alone. Tiring but fun! Boxing day I see my sister and her husband, and any other family who drop in.
Again it works for me

Volunteering at a local hospital, home or charity might be an answer.

Maybe try going away for Christmas? Have it on your own, but somewhere different, for a break? Relax on a balcony somewhere with a glass of something of your choice, and nibble yummies while enjoying the view?

Having lived nearly all my life in the southern hemisphere, I would love, just once, to have a "white" Christmas. Maybe for you it would be the other way around.

When I was able I went on coach holidays at Christmas. Even on my own everyone was very friendly. A memorial one was to Germany.
Since I have been housebound Christmas Day has been spent watching television and preparing for son and daughter in laws visit the day after Boxing Day.

I saw that the local over 50’s Meet Up Group in my area, all met up for Xmas lunch at a Seafront hotel last year. It’s ideal for those who find themselves on their own, check if there’s a group in your area as they’re very widespread now.

Eglantine Antartica story please

You might need to apply now, as usually voluntary work with vulnerable people. You will need a DBS check. The forms are quite long. The days of pitching up to help seem to have long gone unfortunately.