Christmas Day

curz

Hi guys

New to the forum and only really joined for some savings advice, but maybe you can help with this too?

Basically I always spend Christmas Day (also my birthday!) and Boxing Day, alone, (isolated life etc). For some reason, despite me managing nearly every other day of the year alone - it's absolutely horrific for me on these 2 days and I need to do something to keep busy instead of staying under the covers!

Anyone know anything I can do, activities, places to visit etc? Anything in the North West area open? Really need some ideas, (currently 26 years old)!

Thanks!!

tanith

Have you thought about volunteering? a homeless shelter thats opened just for christmas, or an old folks home maybe some people find its an excellent way to keep them occupied and means you don't spend Christmas alone..

Welcome by the way..

whitewing

curz,

so you mind me asking why you are so isolated?

In terms of xmas day, a lot of us regulars pop on to mse at some point on xmas day anyway. Good forums to join in on are the Marriages and Families Board (even if you are on your own, or isolated due to family disputes), Debt Free Wannabe (especially if isolation is due to lack of funds) or Moneysaving Arms (especially if you have a sense of humour).

curz

I don't really know how I got into this position I have found myself in for a good few years...plus nobody's ever asked!

Basically, got a job after leaving school in one of these rare industries where you get a "job for life", very good salary, especially at that age, pension, almost guaranteed payrises etc.

Negative was that I was/am spending 8-12 hours each day, alone in a highly safety critical position, lots of pressure, lots of shift work, but I enjoy. Still working here, climbed the ladder a bit, work keeps me going, something to do.

Being young and flush, moved into my own place at 18, nearer work, but away from my mother who I never really got on with anyway. Contact stopped there after a year or so. Better that way really.

No friends from school - so nobody to keep in contact with when left, no uni/college experience, straight into work, missed out on the clubs etc, not going to go by myself am I?!

So, vicious circle, not going out for nights out etc means unable to meet other people, but I can't go on a night out alone, so won't ever meet people anyway?! Even if I did meet someone, the fact I've been alone for so long and have no life outside work is likely to close that door...

8 years alone, especially so early on in life, has probably damaged me beyond repair socially...

monty-doggy

Have you tried Internet dating?

I made some new friends by responding to an advert on gum tree once for like minded people who were alone and wanted a night out and new friends. It was lovely and I went out a few times with the group before I met my oh.

Still speak to them on fb occasionally.

Volunteering at a charity/shelter/animal charity would help meet new people, even if its just a couple of hours on a day off?

eezer

How about going off for some winter sun if you can afford it for example in the Canaries? Won't feel as 'chrismassy' lying on a sunbed with a book/ipod and probably easier to mix in the restaurant/bar in a holiday situation rather than home.

Failing that, a boxing day sporting event? Seeing as you're in the North West, the mighty Wigan Athletic are at home on boxing day although other, inferior teams are available locally. Being on your own won't matter here (cue comments about having a whole stand to youself).

Or, drive to the lakes/Wales and spend the day walking, away from everyone?

MABLE

Nice idea to get some winter sun but in my experience if you go on your own someone feels they need to adopt you for the duration of the holiday and in my case someone no ones wants to know.

whitewing

This is London based but could be something a bit different for you if they would let you volunteer for a short time

http://www.sfts.org.uk/volunteer/

googler

Learn a musical instrument?

One which you can play without needing accompaniment. Piano, guitar, etc.

duchy

If you do want to kick start your social life .....rather than look for a date then volunteering a few hours a week might be a good way to start...also there is meetup which I think might appeal to you. It brings people together with common interests....could be an historical walk, a meal out, a pub night, theatre visit. You name it. It's always easier to break the ice if you are all doing an activity as you have something to talk about.

I do think volunteering over the Christmas period at a shelter would be a good idea as well as doing some good ....and the number of homeless is increasing so you'd be doing something useful....you'll also meet other volunteers who may be in the same rut socially that you are.

googler

Not just for Xmas, but your view of social activity mentions 'clubs etc.' - why not try to find social activities where you can interact with others without having to meet in groups, shout at each other over a throbbing soundtrack, and where alcoholic intake isn't mandatory?

Music groups, theatre, sports are those that immediately come to mind. What are your interests? What do you like to do? What do you want to do?