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Present ideas for a gran spending Christmas alone

(62 Posts)
Summerstorm Fri 13-Dec-19 10:44:25

Because she wants to be in her own home on Christmas Day doesn’t necessarily mean she wants to be alone. A short visit at some point during the day I’m sure would be appreciated. A lot of my family work on Christmas Day but my dil brought my dgc along for a quick visit after breakfast and we all exchanged presents. Later that day another sil and dgd arrived unexpectedly with a lovely Christmas lunch all beautifully prepared and just had to pop in the microwave. I think it was the thoughtfulness of these family members that meant even more than the food and gifts

J52 Fri 13-Dec-19 08:27:15

The reverse of that is ‘fools seldom differ’ ?

J52 Fri 13-Dec-19 08:26:26

Sorry Humbertbear I didn’t read the whole thread! In too much of a hurry.
But, great minds think alike!

J52 Fri 13-Dec-19 08:24:32

A collection of goodies, but with a twist, each gift could have a time of day to open it. Possibly with a little message -

So early morning lovely tea in a pretty caddy ( or mug ), later shower gel, mid morning lovely family photo in frame. Etc....
The little messages would be personal from you.

That way she knows you are there with her in though and deed.

Humbertbear Fri 13-Dec-19 07:35:10

Have you thought about a box of useful things (or luxuries if you prefer). Tea, biscuits, shower gel, a paper back, a small plant, a shawl, chocolates. Maybe something to open with breakfast, then elevenses, lunch, tea, bedtime.

BlueBelle Fri 13-Dec-19 01:18:02

I think flowers are always warmly received I don’t want to put a dampener on your idea Luckygirl but I used letterbox flowers a few months ago maybe I was unlucky, but they were very poor and I wouldn’t waste my money on them again I thought the pictures of what to expect looked lovely but they didn’t live up at all
I think B9 s idea of a tea out after Christmas as something nice to look forward to is also a good one
I can understand her wanting to stay put

Pophleys Thu 12-Dec-19 22:22:19

I spent a Christmas alone by choice when I was grieving too.I appreciated most photos sent to me of my grandchildren with messages.Definitely brought a smile to my face plus a beautiful bunch of flowers that I was given ,.I also was given by my daughters tickets to go with them to a show in the New Year which gave me something to look forward to.

Luckygirl Thu 12-Dec-19 22:20:47

In my experience people of that sort of age have grown out of being excited with "stuff" - but flowers are always welcome I think. You can send these letterbox flowers now so she would not have to have a great big bunch arriving by courier. I sent some to my DD and they really were lovely and of a manageable size.

Doodle Thu 12-Dec-19 22:20:27

Does she have a DVD player? A box set of something she likes.

B9exchange Thu 12-Dec-19 22:16:42

Something to look forward to in the New Year? How about an afternoon tea voucher for the pair of you?

Plus arrange to Skype her on the day so she can watch you open her present to you (if she has given you one?)

Grannyknot Thu 12-Dec-19 22:15:02

Rosie does she like cake or sweet stuff? I sent someone a gift of freshly baked chocolate brownies in the post and they were over the moon with them. Will find where they were from and post if you're interested.

Rosierabbit Thu 12-Dec-19 22:10:07

Hello everyone
My granny in law is choosing to spend Christmas alone this year. Her husband died a few years ago and she is still really grieving for him, she feels like his spirit is in the house with her and she doesn't want to be away from that on Christmas day. I totally understand how she must feel, they were married for around 60 years. I know it will be a very painful day for her and want to give her a gift she can enjoy without reminding her she is alone. Any ideas on what I could gift?
Thank you in advance for all your help.