A Singularly Lonely Christmas

CommitedToChange

Hi

I'm glad you're feeling better about the hols now and everyone has given such good ideas. This one only works if you have a car.

So here is my odd one, I live above a florist and usually help out by delivering some flowers on Christmas Eve, I get some cash in hand, normally enough to cover the petrol and buy a nice bottle of something (hic).

Maybe you could ask at any smaller local florists near you if they need an extra delivery driver on Christmas Eve or the weekend before. I love delivering the flowers - everyone is so happy to get them, I put on some nice Christmas music and I help out a small local business as well.

It always makes me feel good - sadly I can't do it this year as I'm away, but I will miss it.

I hope you have a nice holiday and make some new friends along the way .


(((hugs)))

CompBunny

I haven't read the whole thread, but I'm sorry to hear about your position this Christmas. *hugs*

A couple of ideas:
- In my county, on Christmas morning there is a big charity event (but anyone can do it, for free, most get sponsorships for charity but lots do it just for fun!) where people go running into the freezing cold sea all together! I haven't done it myself, but its always looked great fun and there is a wonderful community spirit around the event. Do you have anything similar?
- Do you have a homeless shelter in a nearby town? They often provide Christmas meals and require people to serve and have a bit of fun with the service users (and each other!). There are also similar things for the elderly community.

I hope you can use this as an opportunity to create a new sort of Christmas for yourself If you lived closer I'd say come on over and spend it with us!
xxx

homesteadchick

You have such a positive attitude, and that will help tremendously! Well done!
Putting a gift for yourself under the tree was something I thought of as well. And/or nice food! Things that you would normally not have. it doesn't have to be a meal even..
On boxing day, when you hang out in your pj's... watch a lovely movie and munch on stuff you would not normally allow yourself to munch on. ;-)

I know I would totally drown myself in fattening goodies and chocolate and yummie things that don't go together at all, but are total indulgence..

Fruball

It is a very sad and lonely time for a lot of people. Last year was pretty dire for me for similar reasons although I have 2 little kiddies to make an effort for, and a grown up one (who came for a few hours).

However, I just wanted to share this snippet of a true story with you....

Many years ago, a friend of mine was in a similar situation and was facing Christmas alone. She also went to volunteer for a homeless charity and met a fireman who she settled down with and they went on to move to Cornwall with her son, and they had several children together and lived blissfully ever afterwards.... as far as I am aware. We lost touch, sadly.

So, a sad time can become a happy ending and good things happen when you least expect them!!!

Mands

LavenderBees wrote: »

To end this evening on a good note, I've also just received an invite from my walking group (which I've only managed to join for a walk once this year!) for a reasonably priced meal out at a decent Italian restaurant on New Year's Eve.

There's a group of Hash House Harriers in Newcastle who are having a run on Sunday 29th. Whilst it's known as a running group there's likely to be plenty of people walking too.

http://www.nhhh.net/Joomla/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&layout=blog&id=1&Itemid=4

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hash_House_Harriers

There's also a Newcastle branch of the Clandestine Cake Club, since you mentioned enjoying pottering in the kitchen. Their next meeting is tomorrow so the January one might fall after you're back at work but maybe worth keeping an eye on it?

http://clandestinecakeclub.co.uk/groups/newcastle-upon-tyne/

Have access to a GPS? There are over 3000 geocaches in the north east of England. A walk with a purpose that might take you to places you wouldn't go to otherwise.

http://www.geocaching.com/seek/nearest.aspx?state_id=212&ex=0&cFilter=9a79e6ce-3344-409c-bbe9-496530baf758&children=n

Mands

Lobsta

I've only had a quick read through so this may have been mentioned. There is an organisation that looks for people to have foreign students stay with them over the chrismas period so they are not alone in digs, I'm sure they would love to help out volunteering with you too, you don't have to do anything special for them just keep them company and celebrate christmas in your own way. I cant remember the name but I'm sure its run through the church but it may be worth contacting the local uni or foreign language school.

Shropshirelass

Hello Lavenderbees, what a useful thread you have started here. I cant add much new to the many excellent suggestions, only one of my favourite things just before Christmas is to make sure I have a pot of spring flowers to nurse into opening over the holiday, hyacinth are my favourite because of the perfume - it's just a reminder that Spring and Summer are on the way, and the perfume will welcome you when you come home (as well as your cats of course)

Bella73

If you like brass bands at all they are always crying out for collectors and friends of the band to help out at coffee mornings and stuff and usually a good mix of young and old, plus you get to hear all the carols and Christmas music without the religion. We do both concerts in Churches but also town halls and outside supermarkets and things.

Or you could even learn to play, it's never too late and you might find you enjoy it.

Sending you hugs x

Byatt

Just popped in to say, Lavenderbees is without internet access until Thursday, when she no doubt will be delighted to see all the posts in support.

I know she'd hate you to think she just disappeared.

allat

You have had some good ideas so I just want o offer you some words of encouragement. Same thing happened to me last year and I survived it. My father died and then there was a massive family squabble which meant that I was going to spend my first ever Christmas alone. On Christmas Eve I knocked on an elderly lady's door and asked if she would come for Christmas lunch...at first she refused but I burst out crying and she was finally persuaded :.) Anyway we had a great time, I drank most of a bottle of champagne, she told me her family stories and we watched Downtown. This year although I have family invites, I think I may do the same.

Certainly buy yourself a nice bottle of wine and a gift. Why not? You may also pick up a small tree going cheap on Christmas Eve. skintfoodie has a nice menu for solo Christmas. I alos took out my camera and took some arty shots of all things red and green. On another year when I was laid up with the flu I went on to travel tour websites, found the ideal dream holidays and planned them myself at a fraction of the price. I also think you could go to the library take out a dozen books and work your way through a few novels etc.

I also recommend meet up. I like to have a "proper christmas dinner" so I have joined a local group and we are having christmas dinner on Saturday.

You could also give yourself a few beauty treatments...manicure, pedicure, hair colour. I am sure there are some videos on YouTube.

Who knows you may be like me and enjoy it so much that next year you WANT to do the same. Not everyone is in "happy families" - I heard that in London 40% of all households are single, so don't get sucked in by the TV advertising of massive parties and Victorian Christmases. It is a fantasy.