I know not many will agree but I ll say it anyway

No offence taken 3nanna6
I cant help thinking of all the displaced people the homeless the refugees, people battling mental health, all the suicides there are at christmas through loneliness and circumstances

You are right all we can do is be thankful for all we do have and take each day as it comes
I just wanted others who felt a bit down to know we are all here and it’s not just them because you always feel it’s just you and somehow knowing others are in the same boat dilutes the feelings
Thanks for all the input
And have a peaceful day

Morning all. I'm on my own today as my son's car is still in the garage, and he had to borrow his girlfriend's yesterday and came last night. She works in a home and is on duty today.

It's sunny outside and I'll be taking my dog for a walk in a minute.

I do miss the Christmas's of my children's childhood. I was pleased to see my neighbour scattering 'reindeer' food on his front lawn yesterday

No, you are not alone feeling as you do. I do have my lovely DH, but the rest of the family are scattered. No little feet this morning.
It has made me reflect as I usually do at New Year a sad time for me and somehow we are all wishing for a better healthier world a week too early. We should be stuffing birds and steaming puddings with someone tugging at our skirts to come and play.
When the fires on I'm finding a good book and hoping for better days and a glass of something nice.

That’s me too Yammy. Son and daughter in law are with her family (I’m tempted to say ‘again’ but that would be nasty) so just the two of us. Have postponed next week’s get together as one of dil’s family now has covid. Hey ho. Just about to put the washing machine on (the need for clean clothes is no respecter of Christmas) and we will tuck into scrambled eggs and smoked salmon for lunch then this evening the Christmas dinner is beef this year at husband’s request. Looking forward to getting my nose into a book too!

I'm another that has a downer on Christmas . It's just the two of us , and dh is not one for parties , fun , or lots of people. We used to go away for Christmas but don't do that now. I have a grown daughter and gc but due to covid haven't been able to visit for past two years as they are too far away and dh is classed as cev , so we are extra cautious due to covid.

You are not alone in this. I am counting my many blessings and will have a very comfortable Christmas, but there are many who won't . Amongst the merriment I feel a sadness somehow, not sure why.
I'm sending good wishes to all of you, especially those alone at Christmas.

I’ve done a few lateral flow tests this week because infection is so high in Lambeth and should be joining my daughter, granddaughter and twin great grandsons (nearly three years) for the day today.
Instead LF test positive yesterday afternoon, walked 3/4 mile each way at 5.30 pm for PCR test so it’s FaceTime all the way for me this year

It’s a complete non event these days for me. I was hoping to see family but, with infection rates rising again we’re still being very careful. I’ve also just had a card from a friend’s husband to say one of my oldest and dearest friends has Alzheimer’s. We haven’t met for ages because of the pandemic. It’s totally knocked me for six and I feel so sorry for her family.

I loved Christmas when the children were young and we also celebrated my parents wedding anniversary on 25th December. Nephews and nieces would then join us on Boxing Day and friends later in the week. Great times !!!

Never been the same as the children became adults. My earlier attempts at trying to do large family Christmas's were pretty unsuccessful. And as g.children arrived most preferred to spend Christmas;s in their own homes.

I detest winter, always have, always will. At my lowest ebb during these long dark times. Christmas is just something to be endured as I look forward to the Spring.

Not too well this particular christmas (not covid,), and am rather enjoying the lazy day by myself. My children have all phoned me, my daughter who lives nearby has popped over each day bringing plated meals.

Not wishing my life away - just looking forward to better weather, flowers, trees coming back alive, and needing to wear less clothes, and turning the heating off. Much prefer spring fests than winter ones.

Same here, Franbern. Christmas is all about children for me. We used to drive to my in laws on Christmas Day and one year we dressed our little boy up as Santa and he had a sack full of presents for the family. It was our wedding anniversary on Christmas Eve, but we’re divorced now. Still friends with the family but I don’t get invited to what is now a pre Christmas get together that my daughter holds each year and I don’t have family of my own.

So glad you are ‘comfortably off ‘

I really hate Christmas it brings back so many memories both good and bad both of which I find upsetting .We do not have a single card or decoration up and are just longing for January to begin .