Christmas

SimonSays

I decided to treat myself to this as an early pressie. Don't live in scotland but like the livery

Ames

I only just found this thread as I tend to avoid things with 'Christmas' in the title, but someone mentioned it on another thread.

After far too many Christmases where I ended up in tears I chose to spend them alone. I had about 6 fantastic Xmases on my own - in control of the TV remote (I often turned it off and just read), my choice of wine and food, curl up with a nice box of chocolates.

When mum died a couple of years ago I couldn't face doing it all on my own (it would also mean new year and my birthday alone). So for the last two years I've been to Prague, and will be there again. I stay in a hostel which does a free xmas dinner, but they celebrate on xmas eve, so it's sort of half christmas, but half spending the holiday pretending it's not happening, as on the 25th shops, museums etc are open as normal. The hostel's full of a range of people, from backpackers to people wanting to go somewhere special to party all night, so whatever mood I'm in there's someone to speak to - or I can just sit and read in bed. So I've kind of made my own traditions.

As for longer term, great news that you're looking into clubs! My book club is brilliant, although I may have to leave it for reasons beyond my control. Don't forget there's always adult education places, it doesn't have to be 'formal' learning. I've just started an art therapy thing (I have mental health issues) but the place it's at does other lessons too, including things like ceramics - very therapeutic mashing the clay!

ebaybaby

Simonsays, if you decide to stay home Christmas day and not volunteer, then instead of dreading it, embrace it. You sound like you have been through a lot, but you have come through it, you are no longer sleeping rough, you have a job, and a roof over your head. Give yourself a break and a pat on the back! Enjoy your new train!