Alone for Christmas

Grannyactivist - what a lovely lady!!!

I really sympathise. My son and I were very close before he married. I'm widowed and my daughters died 19 years ago so there were only he two of us left. My son and his wife alternate at Christmas, so two years ago I was on my own. I had invitations from friends but didn't want to be the odd one oot at somebody else's family do. I felt particularly hurt as I would never have left anyone on their own at Christmas. They added insult to injury by going on holiday with her parents after I had suggested that we all go together. I'm not a grumpy old woman and do have a good circle of friends, however, it still hurts. The child makes up for everything and this year I have been included in the inlaws Christmas so wait and see what happens next year and enjoy Christmas in whatever way you want is year

Sola it's difficult to judge when we don't know the individuals involved. I would show your son this thread and let him give you his thoughts. It could be he is obliged to go stay with his wife's family for her sake and the children's and he could be not really looking forward to staying with them. He might also be envious of you having the time to yourself.

Add me to this growing list.

Hubby and me will be on our own again. I have a son, a daughter, four grandchildren and four great grandchildren. My son and daughter chose not to speak to us about five years ago (all over money and their greed of it). Because they don't speak to us, they don't allow their children to contact us either.

Hurt doesn't even cover it ! I've cried buckets over those five years.

I'm SO blessed that I have a good husband....but I still feel hurt at not seeing my kids and family....especially at Christmas.

But hey ho, I'm sure there are many in worse situations than me and I realise that I'm very fortunate in so many ways (like having a good and kind husband).

Love this...well done you and have a great Christmas.

I too brought up 3 sons as a single mother from a very young age (2, 4 and 7). I have had one Christmas alone which was awful especially as my birthday is Christmas day too! I saw absolutely nobody and got the obligatory phone calls from my sons. Difficult to put a brave face on it I admit.

Two of my sons are now married so I completely understand that their wives wish to spend Christmas with their own mums and dads. One of my daughter in laws insists on a rota of every 4 years as she says that she does not see why her parents (still married) should suffer because my ex husband and I are divorced. Must say I found it hard to swallow but love my son and don't want to antagonise my daughter in law.

My youngest son due to marry next year has fortunately asked me to spend Christmas Day and part of Boxing Day with him and his fiance and her mother. The only downside is that it involves flying to Ireland for just 2 nights.

I think the advice that has been given i.e. about discussing this with your son after Christmas, when emotions and expectations are not running so high, is very sound.

I hope my comment to Nellie hasn't struck a sad cord with those of you who are becoming carers.

Nelliemoser ditto I feel more like a carer and less like a wife with every passing week, but in my case H can't help it which slightly mitigates it.

Nelliemoser, any chance you can escape and join Galen?

Grannyactivist that is lovely of you.

Bohemian I thought of a singles party on another thread somewhere.

I am not technically a single but usually feel like it.

My proper Christmas will probably be a couple of days after christmas.

I'll just chuck the lot in and decide on the day which to wear! 3 really good strings and the rest just southsea pearls mixed with coral or freshwater.
Not feeling very enthusiastic at the moment.
Will try to cut down to 2 or 3 but all the electrical chargers and disability aids need a whole bag on their own.
Then there's the luggie (scooter) and its batteries, crutch carriers etc!
Believe me, I don't travel light!
Air travel is a nightmare! I've never had a hassle free flight!
This one is from Soton!

I shall think of you pootling out of s'ton. Last time we were also sailing. Have a splendid time and a Happy Christmas to you.

Galen I don't even possess five suitcases!
Looking at the photographs I have no doubt that you're going to have a splendid time. Bon Voyage.

We need to see the pearls and assist in your choice!

Five cases!
Of course , one for the pearls and tiaras , another two for ball gowns, how wonderful

20°...... I'm going to be and and
Have a fantastic Christmas Galen x

poorer computer!

Nothing packed yet. Probably do it tomorrow afternoon.

I have a list on my poorer that I print out each cruise then dash round getting it together. Then Kate and I throw carefully pack into the 5 suitcases I need for 12 days?

I think it's Thursday isn't it? Hope all packed, gowns and pearls et al.

Wow! Suite to boot. Sorry for calling it a cabin !! Have a great time in your 20s temperature.

Bon Voyage Galen. I hope the sea is calm for you.

I'll miss all of you.
I trust you'll all behave while I'm away.
The net access can be a little flakey on board but I'll try to keep in touch.
At least the forecast looks good with temp in the 20s

Now decisions decisions, which 4 of the 6 long dresses I've sorted out shall I take?

Unashamedly , have a fabulous time Galen.

We have DD here for the Christmas holidays, DS, DDIL and DGS will be here Boxing Day evening and the Sunday. It wouldn't cross my mind to feel affronted or upset about having no one here, I'm just glad when they do come. It's no big deal so I struggle a bit to understand when other GNs get so upset.

DDIL's parents live abroad; if they came over or DS went there it wouldn't upset me at all.

Suite! Cunard Queen Victoria. This is the sitting area

Lovely cabin Galen. Or stateroom if American line. Though I refuse to call it that.

Waiters, watch out !