Christmas decoration

Do it your way, whatever you feel happy with. The year I left my first husband (FH), I told friends that I was going to family and then family that I would be with friends and spent the day on my own. FH criticised what I wore, ate - he was a vegetarian of the smug variety- read, watched, well everything really. So, I had my own Christmas with a tree, turkey dinner and chocs. I watched what I wanted to and on Boxing Day packed up the car and went off to see family. It had been a day to get through and I actually enjoyed a tension free day. As an after note, after I'd left him I became the best thing since sliced bread and he begged me repeatedly to take him back. That Christmas I took my life back instead and moved on to happier times and have now had 26 very happy C days with my DH. Enjoy a peaceful day and make it your own. I'll be raising a glass to you

I've had many a contented Christmas on my own, jenpax, and without a single visible decoration. That's because I'm lazy but the joy is still in my heart. A couple of phone calls from those who matter the most and my cake is iced. I hope you enjoy it no matter what.

I prefer Christmas day on my own especially if I know that I'm being invited 'so that I won't be alone'. If I'm not with my closest friend and godchildren as usual I resist all invites,
telling A I will be with Z, B I will be Y, C with X etc. I just have to make sure that they aren't people who will meet.
I spend many days alone so this is no different. I put cards up but nothing else. I'm perfectly happy.

I’ve never been on my own at Christmas though I’ve had one or two “different” ones. I think I’d put the decorations up as usual otherwise I might start feeling sorry for myself! Do what you would enjoy most, spoil yourself, and if that means decorations as usual then do that. Don’t fall into the “can’t be bothered” frame of mind, you might regret it on the day. Happy Christmas whatever you decided to do!

I'm only having a couple of guests for dinner, the week after Christmas, so I would have good reason not to go out of my way with the decorations.
Nonetheless, my tree and my nativity are on display, the mantle is festooned with holly and there's a beautiful wreath on my door.

Talk to your local priest or pastor about buying Christmas dinner 'fixings' for one needy family. Also, don't know if you're religious, but getting out to attend Christmas Service on the day, may help too. Too often we seem to forget what Christmas is all about.

Kathy, you could eliminate the worry of the possibility of your potential hosts meeting up by simply saying 'I have plans, thanks'. That has worked well for me in the past and they certainly won't be told that my plan is to be alone by choice. All sorts of wrong assumptions would undoubtedly ensue were that the case

Kim19 Tried that! If it's friends they want to know the plans. Then I tell my fibs. I think they're 'fibs' rather than 'lies'!

I have the Christmas tree etc up as my DD and 11year old GS live with me.
I always keep up lots of lights in glass bowls around the house and the mantlepiece for a couple of months after Christmas ,to see me through the dark winter months.

My answer is yes I live alone and it cheers me up when i come home from work to see the Christmas tree lights on I have them on a timer

Whether alone or in company, I cannot imagine having Christmas and not putting all the decorations out.

I love having the family round but i sometimes fantasise about a Christmas alone. It would have all the bells and whistles and include chocolates, books to read and DVDs to watch and a long walk all bymyself. There are times when it is really quite tempting!!

I'm going away and I've been unwell, I still am, so I haven't bothered . I've even found Xmas shopping a chore this year, I usually enjoy it .

No I can’t see the point as Christmas is really about sharing with family. A few years ago my husband was in hospital over Christmas and we knew family wouldn’t be visiting as my Daughter had just had my first grandchild and lived in Scotland and my son was working. I couldn’t be bothered to decorate the house, other than put up cards.
After I had visited my husband on Christmas Day (2hour round trip), I got home and had egg on toast and then enjoyed Christmas tv with me at the Control, it was great, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Well, I wasnt going to bother. But a few months ago, I joined a 'friendship 'group of about 20 who had also lost their partners, recently. One of them, a lady came round with some cards for my family. I invited her in for a cuppa, on such a cold day. She was appalled that I had no Christmas lights set up, and insisted on me going into the loft to retrieve my bits n pieces.And sorted them out, only leaving when she had installed them all. So yes, it now looks sort of Christmassy around my home. And I find them so cheerful. My late wife/pal would have 'gone to town' by now, so for me reminds me I am not actually alone,. Have a lucky Christmas, everyone.

I am not a huge fan of Christmas and all its trappings these days, so I put the Christmas tree/decs up for my son, and take them down the day after boxing day when he goes home...I can live without them. I have also been known to do some painting and decorating on Christmas day. If I was on my own I wouldn't bother with any of it. Apart from the religious aspect, its just another day to me.

I shall also be alone this Christmas for the first time as I have given up driving and cannot get any public transport to anywhere including the friend 20 miles away with whom I have celebrated for the last 20 years. Rural life is not helpful to social occasions without a car
I live on a village Street and put lights in the window and a wreath on the door for others to enjoy and will probably drag out the artificial tree on Christmas Day in preparation for relatives coming after Christmas. When I was fitter, I would gladly have spent this chance in helping others. However, I note that charitable dinners and other events in the nearest town do not actually happen on Christmas Day. I don't feel hard done by. Age brings contentment with one's own company and that of the ageing cat.

If I were in my own , I would decorate on Christmas Eve so that my Christmas Day walk would wend me back to my beloved sparkly home. Oh, and I would go overboard!

Normally I LOVE Xmas!
This year I have zero interest ?
I'm doing Xmas for my girls next weekend as I'm going home (500 miles) for 2 weeks so I really should make some effort for the wee one st least. But.... I just cannot find the enthusiasm. Maybe once I start....

For all those who are new to GN, and are on their own, there is usually a thread on here on Christmas Day for you to join in, to say hello, and what you are doing.

The one Christmas I spent alone, I just had a tiny tree and the Christmas candle holders dotted around - that was enough for me and I really enjoyed the day doing what I wanted to for every minute.

i wouldn't bother just get the food and drinks and curl up in front of the tv and relax eat when you like etc and share it with your pets if you have them for people to criticise(family and friends) why don't they invite you after all it is just another day
There are so many who never see a sole have no family or close friends and every day is the same

Vickya
Did you know that Crisis is so popular now ( for volunteering) that you have to put your name down almost a year in advance. I started my xmas volunteering with them in the 80s.

Well done Rosiebee, having left a very critical, domineering ex husband myself, oh the glorious peace of being alone.

But back to what the OP asked, I have this Christmas alone and have had others, which I have enjoyed.

I have a lovely white light JL modern tree which I will put up, plus cards, flowers of a Christmasy hue and a string of blue twinkly lights arranged along my window.

Like others I am careful not to say I am alone, I don't want to intrude on any friend's Christmas's, by them inviting me rather than leaving me alone.

I have books to read, a boxed set of a favourite drama series. Peace and quiet.

I’m away at my Xmas so not done any decks only got cards up

I would have nothing at all but for the fact the DGC will be coming. I refuse to even put up cards.

The beginning of my Christmas effort!