Alone for Christmas

Hi Sola, I am in the same situation as you this Christmas. Apparently in my case its the in-laws only wanting their family for their "family" Christmas. Anyway, I'm getting in really nice goodies (i.e. really indulgent bath stuff, smoked salmon, bubbly, chocs) and making the most of a "me" Christmas. Don't forget to keep in touch with the rest of us here on Christmas Day.

Or do the in-laws live in France?

Does he see you at other times? I understand it must be hard not to see them at Christmas, but do they take it in turns whose family to visit? This is what a lot of families do now and bet they are all so busy as a family just do not realise how hurt you are. I think back and know at certain times I could have been more thoughtful. Some people rarely see their families and the only time they get together is at this time of the year. Have you made plans to do something nice on the day that you can enjoy? If I were to be on my own I would have just what I wanted to eat, have a bottle of bubbly and watch television. Then on Boxing Day I would go shopping. Sometimes I get really down and feel forgotten, then I get a phone call and perk up. So remember you are not on your own and try to enjoy it if you can.

But it would be nice to know that an only child of a single mother would not want to see his mum alone on Xmas day.

Sola you haven't said what previous arrangements have been - he can't spend every year with you and ignore the in-laws so maybe some years you have to make other arrangements.

Sola I'm not sure I understand the scenario here.
Do you mean that your son arranged to go to France with his inlaws and didn't invite you?
Or that the inlaws didn't invite you?
If it's a case of the inlaws not inviting you, it doesn't mean your son doesn't care.

Thank you all so much for your kind messages. I will definitely try to talk to him after Christmas. Your understanding messages have made me feel better. x

Ouch sola, has he actually said he doesn't care about how you feel and doesn't want to include you?

My DS is staying at their own home for Christmas but that certainly doesn't mean he doesn't care etc!

Perhaps it's his inlaws turn to host Christmas, and no offence is intended.

sola. I totally understand how you feel although, thankfully, I will be seeing my family this year.

How hurtful! I'm not surprised you are upset. You probably can think of other things to do, but that's not the point, is it?

Maybe they will be a bit more considerate and change their minds. I'd wait until after Christmas and have a serious word with him.

I wish I could say something to make you feel better.

X