Christmas ?

Christmas or better known by me as £*££ing Christmas! It can be a tyranny if you are lonely or very poor. It is just a day in the year. People are lonely (and poor) the other 364 days but 25th December looms on the calendar. Ok Empress plan well ahead if it is important to you. Focus on things you know you will enjoy- favourite foods and puddings, lovely decorations, nice Christmasy scents, the best TV (no news) ‘ less it’s good, heaps of comedy on radio or telly, *absolutely* NO to maudlin Christmas songs about yester year. *Yes* to rocking around the Christmas tree etc, brand new books to get engrossed in or audio versions - the best can be expensive but so worth it, how about some gorgeous new bedding to wake up in. Make it your day. And incidentally last years Christmas for me was an anxiety ridden let down with the COVID rules chop changing, and people backing out last minute. Year before was at partners brothers’ “lovely big house” with all the trimmings none of the joy….. I’ll say no more, was glad to go home, always feel better come New Year’s Day.
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No reason I can see for feeling foolish because you wrapped your own presents and decorated a tree for Christmas for yourself alone.

You love Christmas as much as I do. I would never dream of not celebrating it.

Perhaps when we get to December this year, we will be able to either invite visitors or volunteer somewhere where other "singles" spend Christmas together.

It is early in the year to broach the subject Empress and I know it will annoy some, as this is a perennial problem for some of us.
But if your worried why not talk about it?
I hope the above post gives you some support.

Far far too early to make any plans at all. We have no idea how Covid will develop from now till then.

One day at a time, for sure. But I must say Christmas is the very last thing on my mind now.

Hope you can enjoy summer and autumn and not panic about further down the line. x

She me years agoi spent five consecutive Christmas Days alone, and loved it! Get up when I wanted, eat what I wanted, watch tv when I wanted ( having sole choice of programs was awesome ) , listen to my music and not have to answer to anyone!
I totally understand that it can be a very lonely time but is it just one day after all.
Empress, have you considered volunteering for a charity or is that not possible for you? I know Covid has put the brakes on a lot of activities and events but is has always been my mindset that there's always someone worse off than me.

There are many on their own at Christmas but I wouldn't start thinking about it for a while yet.

I just hope this is a better Christmas for everyone this year. last year was pretty miserable all round.

I do hope you won’t be feeling lonely this year, Empress, but
I don’t see why you should feel a fool for buying your own presents. If I were on my own I dare say I’d do the same. Not sure I’d bother wrapping them, since I find wrapping a bit of a chore, but I’d def. save them in their shop wrapping for the day - nice new pyjamas/dressing gown/socks/knickers/books/chocolates, are what I’d choose.

It may be only July still, but we’re 2/3 of the way through it, and I always find that certainly by August, the year positively whizzes by.

I never object to anyone mentioning Christmas however early. Those of us who make Christmassy things need to start early - which is why I was sewing up two knitted Wise Men back in June!
(Still several figures to go, including the donkey.).

My family and I don’t like to mention Christmas at this early stage but we have come to a decision about this year. Providing all are well and subject to regular home testing we will be spending Christmas together maybe in small groups rather than everyone at once. We will do this no matter what rules are imposed on us. Having decided we won’t be mentioning it again for a very long time!

Yes H1954 I experienced the same years ago. It was so relaxing and no dog to care for even. More tv to choose from now and better food options for one person.
But there is a world of difference to knowing that you will be alone on Christmas Day and being alone this Christmas Day and the next and the next. If you have memories of really good Christmases from childhood, or with a young family it can emphasise the “loss” even more.

I've lived alone for twenty years and have no family. I don't like excessive consumerism and waste and long ago opted out of giving gifts and sending cards. Friends understand this.

On Christmas day, I usually volunteer in some capacity and/or go for a walk with Ramblers followed by a drink with the group in the pub. That's enough for me. I do receive invitations but don't want to be part of someone else's family party. Friends have also come to understand this. I don't mind admitting that the volunteering and walking came about as an excuse not to go to parties and then became a regular thing.

Having said all that, I do buy myself a gift. My late DH loved Christmas and all the razzamatazz so it's in memory of him. Nothing at all to feel foolish about.

That sound an ideal solution Flexagon helping others and getting exercise and companionship at the same time.
Depending on the Covid situation in December Empress maybe you could look at options like this.

I know its July lol
Empress You don't have to feel that way!
Here in Australia we have a celebration known as "Christmas in July, and right now, it could even be a white one!!
Of course it will be different for the majority for obvious reasons, but lockdown, self-isolation for me? No problem!
Cheers and Good Health.
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Do you know another friend or neighbour who will be alone? Now is the time to ask and make a plan to have the day together. When I was just married in 1973 we lived abroad. My husband had to work Christmas day. The evening before we went shopping and got chatting to the cashier. Her husband was also working. Before I knew it I'd invited her to come to my flat on the big day. We had a laugh trying to cook our first Christmas dinner together.

I gave spent last 3 Christmases alone. I cooked a special dinner etc and put a tree up. You will cope. Don't do the Christmas present thing though. Maybe just treat yourself to one special thing

It’s just another day to be honest nowadays ?

I love Christmas I am watching silly Christmas films all the time. I agree don’t start worrying about Christmas now enjoy the summer.
When the build up to Christmas arrives go out if you are able enjoy the mood people love to shop. I like going to garden centres and see the Christmas displays. Some have cafes you can get a little Christmas dinner or lunch take in the Christmas atmosphere and enjoy it. When Christmas arrives maybe invite someone or not the choice is yours decorate the house but most of all enjoy it’s magical! ?

Have you considered a Turkey and tinsel trip? My mother in law went on one few years ago. There were other single ladies there.

Empress

I'm worried about being alone on Christmas. Last year I bought all of my own presents and wrapped them up. I bought a tree and a bunch of decorations. When I unwrapped everything I felt like a fool. ..I know its July lol, who knows if ill even be alive this Christmas. Perhaps I should just take it one day at a time.

yes one day at a time is best. What do YOU want to do?

oh gosh, I so try not to think about it.

but as I try to be a Christian, I often wonder how Christmas as most of us celebrate it now, has changed..

yes, I hate the thought of being alone any day of the year, I have to try and do one day at a time..the problem for me, as I see it, is that everywhere is closed down. no where to go to try to distract myself and not feel so alone

It is over Five Months away - why stress about it now?

I had a miserable Christmas on my own last year - Covid regs and distance made it impossible to be with two of my three daughters and their children, and the third- who I was due to stay with, had to cancel as eldest GS had tested positive.
Yes, I was miserable but it is only a day, the dog was happy to be at home with me and by Boxing Day it was over
We have a rule in our family - nobody mentions the “C” word before September (even October)
Who knows what will have happened here by December.
One day at a time is a good idea.

It's early but I understand your feelings.
Maybe beginning of November we can have a post for everyone who is going to be on their own and we can make a "send a present" round.
I am happy to send you a present so you can unwrap a surprise. We can get a chain going and it's something to look forward to.

Can you afford a hotel house party at Christmas?
www.innontheprom.co.uk/?offer=xmas-house-party

It used to be an unwritten rule that Christmas wasn't mentioned until after our street fair - well actually, it was my idea not an unwritten rule.

So, it's s best to wIt and see, imo.