Christmas decoration

Oh do! Not a lot (bowerbird types come to mind here), but a few well-chosen bits will lift the spirit's. Deck the halls, but tastefully of course!!!

I haven’t decorated yet. I’ve had a really nasty bug and whilst over it am still feeling totally washed out. We are out for the entire Christmas so it is very tempting not to bother, which will be the first Christmas ever!! Normally I decorate the entire house. Wondered about a natural Christmas and just pick holly and ivy from the garden and perhaps a tiny natural tree.

I've been quite law key for the last few years but having got good news from a hospital test a few days ago I find I've suddenly gone overboard! Twinkly lights everywhere and a gold Christmas tree.
Actually Im enjoying them all by myself.

I haven’t done any decorating as yet, and this week doesn’t look good for doing it, as too much going on.
However, if no family were coming I would not bother with a tree or lights, but just a wreath on the door and a few garlands and cards.It’s all the putting away afterwards!

Eglantine glad that you had good news.

I'm glad to hear that too, Eglantine.

We aren't hosting Christmas this year and I've gone right off the idea of decorating. I've done a small white one in the dining room and I've put up the prelit one on the landing - it's the big one that I can't be bothered with. You are right Lemongrove, it's the putting away.

We invested quite a bit in an artificial one but, to me, it just looks dead - even with the lights on. Real, non-drop ones are so expensive and still need taking to pieces.

I wonder whether our very traditional lounge would look good with the prelit birch twig thingy that is reduced at JL?

We have a pop-up, ready decorated tree, as the Bodach felt we should make an effort for the grandchildren ( we’ll be away over Christmas). If I were alone, I definitely wouldn’t bother.
Regards,
Mrs Scrooge.

Well I ve got no one coming to me but the tree and fairy lights have gone up xx

We're away too but I have put my pre-lit white twiggy thing up and put lots of small red apple baubles on. It looks so pretty I am glad I did it.

I've also put my Nativity set out and put some battery candles round it and that too looks lovely. Just one or two old favourites dotted around the sitting room and it feels like Christmas. Just need a bit of fresh holly - always have to have a bit of holly, preferably with berries.

I love the sparkle and twinkle in the dark days of this month and it does tie in so well with the Christmas message.

I'm going for a birch branch, which I hope to find on a foraging walk tomorrow, snow permitting. I sold our big show-stopper on Gumtree a few weeks ago to a delightful young Polish man who was thrilled with it, so I'm pleased it has found a good home. I'm going minimalist now there's just me. Strangely enough, our first Christmas 'tree' was a white painted branch .... that's over 50 years ago now so I guess I've come full circle!

I'm afraid tasteful doesn't come into it for me - once the decorations are up it's like Santa's grotto round here. We have a routine where all the DC and DGC come to us one year and go to their inlaws the next, but even in our quiet years all the decorations go up. We've been really busy lately and seem to be running late with everything, but I've just done a bit of furniture shifting to make room for a lovely big tree and DH is off to collect it first thing tomorrow. Can't wait!

I've always said if there was ever only me I'd still put as much up as I could - guess that's easier said when you're not on your own although we have just been the two of us some years and I've still gone to town. Eglantine that's great news - glad you've got the decoration bug!

If there was only me, I would probably go for something low key and tasteful, but no chance of that with Himself. We have yet more window stickers, festoons and tree decorations this year. He bought a new tree last year which takes up rather too much room. My contribution is a battery operated tea light to go inside my manger scene! I wish it didn’t flicker though; I may get complaints from the Holy Family!

WE are in two minds as we are in the midst of completely redecorating, After 27 years sofas furniture carpet and curtains. being replaced. Wallpaper should be delivered friday.....we dont have anyone coming over so may just settle with a candle or two and our new wood burner.

Oh I would defintley go for at least some twinkly lights and some holly or evergreens somewhere. surprising how much it lifts the spirits. We are on our own this year and no visitors but we have two trees, the nativity and a a very decorated manlepiece.
I spoke to my brother yesterday who said he and his wife were alone (too lazy to come visting we have to go to them in Dorset which is a long way). He said they'couldnt be bothered'. he says this about most things. I told him he was in Gods waiting room"! Get up and boogy!

Do whatever you feel. I won't be putting any up this year but in the past I have put things with lights in the window because I think it is nice for the children on the estate to see lots of lights around and it is nice when you come home. I am a bit superstitious about 12th night (the only thing I am) and I would get fed up with them by then if it was only for myself. I did buy myself a Poinsetta though.
Don't feel embarrassed if you feel like it. Why not? I still like Christmas even though I have been on my own for a few years and if that is what makes your day, you are entitled to enjoy it.

Mid Winter celebrations are about the darkest days and the return of the light...........whatever religion you choose, the seasons are set for us. So get those lights going, and know that yours are part of the millions of others, just as your hopes and wishes will be.

I have been on my own at Christmas and wasn't as lonely, as other times when I was stuck in a house with full of miseries. I think I rather enjoyed it.

Do whatever you bloody well feel like. Oh the freedom! Drink whatever you want, eat chocolates all day, watch your favourite DVDs all day! Don't watch TV programs and their fake jollity and "happy families". Yes, there will be sadness, perhaps regrets, loneliness and I do not resile from any of those painful feelings. But it's only one day.
If that doesn't appeal, are there any other friends in similar situations? Young people have "orphans Christmasses" so why can't older persons do this? Take care of yourself, there is a New Year just around the corner.
Lots of love from Oz for Xmas. ??

radicalnan I agree. My worst Christmases have not been those spent on my own and I quite like it now.

Not in the country until Friday and will then be jet lagged for a few days. Decorations and tree still in the loft, cards written and ready for posting, no gifts bought and two new settees arriving before Christmas, but as yet don’t know when. But I am sure something will go up and we have a bagful of acorns to burn on the woodburner. Even if it was just me instead of two of us I would put something up.

I still haven’t put the tree up, although I have put out all the smaller bits I decorate with. (and there aren’t masses of those). For the first time in about 30 years, I’m not doing Christmas Day lunch, so with no children visiting, I’m struggling to get motivated. I do have relatives coming on Boxing Day, so will have to do it, but I don’t think I’d bother otherwise. My OH probably won’t even notice.

I would do whatever you feel like, and take the opportunity to have a day to completely please yourself. A few small bits like a garland a mini tree and candles are easier to clear away, and help mark the season if you want to.

If you'd prefer not to spend it as a self-centred day but would like to get out on Christmas day, meet people and make a difference in the lives of others then organisations like the Salvation Army or local charities working with the vulnerable or homeless would welcome you as a volunteer to help serve a Christmas lunch. I know of a single lady who enjoys doing this every year.

A couple of times when I was going to be alone at Christmas, or just me and children as husband was merchant navy, I went to help at Hospital Radio, where I was a dj. One year when daughters were staying at uni I went to help at Crisis. Some charity would be glad of help serving hot food, probably, and there is usually a nice Christmas spirit in places like that.

I will also be alone, no visitors but will be putting up Christmas tree and decorations - not as much as I used to do but that is not a bad thing seeing as I used to go a bit OTT! However, I do agree taking it all down and putting away is a bit of a faff!