On my own at Christmas

How nice of you to ask muffin. How are you doing?

I’m afraid of becoming a travel bore. It was one of my best Christmas times ever though.

Snow and penguins. What’s not to like???????

Local places usually put on a Christmas lunch and afternoon get together for people just like yourself. Do some enquiries on the internet, local library or perhaps Age uk. Even if a taxi is required to get you out for Christmas it will be an opportunity to also make new friends x

I work at Crisis every other year. You have to apply (of course) and fill out forms etc but it's a way of giving back to society. I also find working at Sams very rewarding, especially around Christmas and New Year when many people are lonely, even young adults. The streets and an unloving home can bring people to an all time low, especially in winter.
If they don't appeal (and I grant that you'd have to apply now as you have to have an enhanced disclosure) how about an airbnb stay in someone's own home. I once stayed in Epcot Park Hotel & Spa over New Year and lo and behold was escorted to 6 different rooms to take my pick. I met a wonderful family from America, mum, dad and young son who invited me to eat with them on all 4 days, I swam in the pool every day, took many walks and enjoyed relaxing massages.
We have kept in touch.
All my AC, GC and GGC live at a fair distance, some abroad, and I love time on my own to do as I please.
I hope you find something interesting and enjoyable to fill what is, in essence, a 'traditional' family time.

*Elcot not Epcot...

I always feel for people on their own and try not to patronise them by asking them if they would like to come for lunch on the day my answer was from my brother ' it's just a day I need to get through' and he does it his own way I would love him to come to me but he just smiles and thanks me politely I just know it's his way and worry about him . He had a lovely wife and misses her terribly.

Please be grateful for the blessing of being on your own on Christmas day and savour the peace and placid tranquility! And the luxury of doing (or not doing) whatever you want.

Xmas day brings many families and ropey relationships to boiling point - why do you imagine divorce lawyers appointment books are overflowing by the end of January?

If you fancy going to church, it is worth checking it out before you go.
Services could be at a different time from the usual Sunday times. They are unlikely to be a sing-a- long carols type service as these are usually held before Christmas.
Cathedrals will have a formal but hopefully joyful Communion with choir. Local churches may have Communion ( perhaps at 8am) or more likely a family service. If that is something you want to avoid it is worth checking it out first.

I’m often alone at Christmas, but I don’t mind one bit!
My family usually go to the other Granny, who sets great store by Christmas, and that’s nice for her because she lives some distance from us and doesn’t get to spend so much time with our DGC.
They all come to me for New Year and we have another big dinner and family fun.
Volunteering is great fun and very rewarding, but bear in mind that many organisations are overwhelmed with support at Christmas, and lack help for the rest of the year. If you have time, making a regular commitment might be mutually beneficial.
Whatever you decide, I hope you have a peaceful and delightful time!

There is usually lots going on before Christmas and in 'the middle' days. Do you have any sociable hobbies you can be busy with then (singing, rambling for me). If you can hit Christmas Day tired out, a day of TV and cake might be welcome. Then - on with the new.

Agree with all posts on here.volunteer but start the plans NOW so you are well prepared for Xmas day.

There still seems to be a persistent view that it is terrible to be on your own at Christmas. A friend of mine who wanted to be on her own had to hide and tell a few lies in order to have the peace and quiet she craved.

An elderly Aunt always refuses all invitations for Christmas and spends it "with myself" as she puts it. She does lots of things (including lunches out) in the run-up to the day itself, and then prepares by getting things in to eat that she really enjoys (not turkey) gets up when she wants; does a jigsaw; reads A Christmas Carol, etc. She says that she has to keep the television volume turned low, otherwise the neighbours will know she's there and insist on her joining them (which she doesn't want to do!)

If you want to have Christmas on your own but are willing to look after a pet the look at Trusted Housesitters website...that way you can get away (& have an excuse), see a different part of the country & look after a pet(s) so they can visit family...my husband & I will do this as we have no one coming to us...a win win all round

I spent one Christmas in Antarctica too Eglantine

I'll be on my own this Christmas too . I had an awful time with a grumpy daughter last year so am planning a peaceful one this year ! I'll check if there's any buses running and might have a trip into Edinburgh - a nice wee jaunt !
I don't want anyone to know where I am !
Christmas brings problems , doesn't it ?

Volunteering sounds a good idea.
I will look into that myself. Occasionally I put my foot down and insist on staying at home on Christmas Day. Children seem to think I should not be alone. I can't see why it is different to any other day. On the times I have spent it alone I have so enjoyed it...so relaxing...hahaha I have Waitrose deliver everything as a special treat from my usual careful shopping

For several years now I have gone to the service at my church, and usually taken part as a reader or steward. Then I go to one of the many charity Christmas Dinners where I can have a good dinner and meet new people.

If for any reason I haven't been able to spend Christmas as usual with my best friend and my godchildren, (I stopped driving to the UK in winter having been caught out several times by atrocious weather), I was then inundated with invitations from well-meaning friends.
As I'm not really bothered about Christmas and would rather be on my own I tell X that I'm probably going to Y, Y that I'm going to Z, Z that I'm going to A. The only thing I have to do is make sure that none of the opposites know each other.

If this was me I would volunteer somewhere ...a local hospice, church offering xmas lunch, anywhere really that was offering lunch on the day.

We are on our own this Christmas and are really looking forward to volunteering.Always thought I would like to do it but with own family around couldn’t make the space. As they are all busy this year, the time has come.

Any hotels nearby with spa & sauna facilities available.
One of the Christmases I spent alone , I watched a favourite film , with champagne & all the nibbly extravagant foods that I like etc.
I have to say I really enjoyed it. Best wishes for what ever you decide ??

Oh pretty please Eglantine, I’d love to hear all about Antarctica - appeals to me far more than hotter climes!

I had my first Christmas day alone last year,for various reasons. I just decided to make the most of a day by myself, doing exactly as I pleased. I made sure I had some lovely food and wine in. I had a nice lie-in,then watched TV with a glass bottle of wine. Then I had my dinner and watched some more TV and had more wine. It was a very enjoyable day,with no pressure to be anywhere at a certain time,and no one else to worry about. And I had Boxing day to look forward to with my daughter and granddaughter,and a proper Christmas dinner.

We want the penguin stories!!! ???

Lucky you! Sounds like bliss, but if you wanted to be out and about the volunteering suggestions are good....personally I favour good food, a log fire, a few good films, a book and a bottle of something fizzy!