I think I’ll be alone this Christmas and can’t help feeling sad

Is your sister always on her own at Christmas if so that would upset me and I would make sure she shared mine. If you get on, can't you just invite her round.? Your son needs to start his own traditions and if that means he is with his wife and child on their own that is how he wants it. You are feeling a little jealous and I am sure you won't want him to feel guilt tripped by you, you will after all have some kart of Christmas with your don, An awful lot don't get that. Both my children like me to be with them Christmas Day, the grandchildren too, they go there own thing the other days. I expect it will change when grandchildren start their own relationships, then I will do just what I want and have a curry in front of a tv with a favourite box set. I have been blessed to have had them with me so long, honestly don't expect it. I do feel sorry for those, through no fault of their own, have no one and I always invited them. People shouldn't judge you, you are new to being a widow and it takes time to adjust..

Buffybee
You sure do have a sting like a WASP.
Dawn.

Just as you have had a routine for years so another one will take over I expect. Maybe you won't see everyone Christmas Day but it sounds as if you are being included at some point over the Christmas and difficult and different as it is it has to be faced. We have had a fairly regular routine since the GC were small but now they are bigger, some grown up, it is bound to change as they and their parents have different responsibilities. We know we have had a good run and I think/hope we are prepared for when the change comes. Take a deep breath and make some plans of your own perhaps with your sister or other friends in a similar situation.

As you say yourself, Amicoolyet, it's just that this is a change. You'll need to adjust - and you will. I'm glad you posted and got your feelings out here. This is the place to do it.

Fortunately, you have 6 months to get used to the idea and make your plans. IMO, others have made good suggestions about volunteering, etc. Then again, you may just want to stay home and relax on the Day, watching Christmas movies or reading a good book, etc. Especially if you have a lot of excitement on the Eve or anticipate it on Boxing Day, what w/ the new GC and all.

Please remember, you'll still be seeing DS at Christmas, just not in the same way. In fact, you may see him more - on the Eve/Boxing Day and for a little while on the Day in the afternoon, as you mention. And you'll get to spend time w/ your new GC, too, which I'm sure you'll adore. It all may end up being better than you expected.

Is there any reason why your son, dil and new gs cannot be together for Christmas Day at their home?

Before my sons were born we'd have my ex-husband's kids with us every other Christmas Day and on the alternate years we'd celebrate before or after the actual day. One year, we celebrated early and then went out to the store the next day. I remember very clearly wondering why the store still had decorations out when Christmas was "over"!

It really stuck with me that the holiday literally felt like whatever day I spent with my kids. This has really worked out lately because my oldest got married and his wife has a very big family. He spends Thanksgiving and Christmas morning there because on her side there are a couple of dozen people to accommodate and on my side there's just me. It honestly doesn't bother me to celebrate on a different day because I remembered those earlier experiences. I know they love me. It's just logistics.

At first my son felt awful, though, because he and his brother have always been with me on Christmas morning and on Thanksgiving. The first year I jokingly said they should come over in their pajamas and slippers and they all did! It's now our tradition. We open socks and presents in the pj's and pretended it's morning. As a bonus I get to sleep in Christmas a.m. and they get two Thanksgiving dinners!

I agree with nanny2507 enjoy and embrace Christmas and there are many other things you can do or people who could use a visit just like yourself.

Hi everyone I’ve just joined. I’m going to be alone this Christmas and I’m feeling a bit lost I live in Dorset. Any tips advice or idea thank you

Hi to all that are reading this. Christmas is coming & I’m so sad that I will be alone. My Daughters Husband doesn’t like me & couldn’t care less if I was alive or not.
The friends that have asked me what are you up to over Christmas, haven’t even given the slightest concern or care when I reply with I will sadly be alone.
I don’t do things for people to get anything back, although I have done so much for friends recently & in the past So it hurts that no one seems to care about me.
Am I a bad person? Why don’t people want me around?
Sadly I have illnesses which stop me being able to volunteer anywhere, although I do give money toys presents & food to my local charities
Has anyone gone through or going through what I’m going through? Xx