Xmas on my own

flossy_splodge

Or you could always turn the whole day round and find out about maybe adopting a 'granny' or grandad for the day. There's a lot of pleasure to be had from turning round someone else's day. Local churches could possibly point you in the right direction or local hospital or some charities etc etc. We have a 'homeless' Christian mission where I live and I'm sure they are the sort of people who could offer suggestions. If you don't want to take someone into your home then how about offering a couple of hours on a 'soup run' on Xmas day or in a care home so someone else can be at home if they have family they would otherwise like to be with. Loads of ways of feeling good on the day and sometimes lifelong friendships are formed. Could offer to work for samaritans and be available to do the Xmas day shift. The list goes on. Don't look at what you won't have but rather at how lucky you are to have a roof over your head, money to put food on your table and warmth - all things worth sharing. Enjoy your day whatever you decide. x:D

SnowyOwl_2

I've had quite a few Christmas Days on my own and they are the best!!

As mentioned above indulge yourself, but do plan ahead, it still takes a little effort.

Things to consider are:

what time to get up
what to prepare or buy foodwise the day(s) before
what to have available to drink
what time to start getting dinner ready and what time to eat
what's on the telly, highlight what you want to watch and/or record
who to phone and when
when you're going to open your pressies and if you'll open them all at once
church if you are so inclined
what you're going to eat in the evening
if you will go out at all (see my missive below)

I also recommend the turkey joint in a foil tray from Marks - they are just the right size and don't take half the day to cook. Prepare as much of the dinner the day before, so that you just have to cook it eg peeling sprouds or parsnips. As your query is mostly about food, then I'd say go for the easiest and use the methods you know. Eg if you want roast potatoes but don't really know how to do them, then s*d it, get them out of the freezer at the supermarket!! If you have a microwave oven, that is the best and quickest way to cook the Christmas Pudding. Otherwise it will need to be steamed on the hob. Steaming on the hob is an utter pain in the rear end, and I wouldn't bother if you don't really know what you are doing. Alternative could be a nice trifle (with or without sherry, your decision entirely). Trifle is v.easy to make of course as there is no actual cooking involved, it's more a thing that gets put together in a certain order. Or just buy a nice one from Waitrose/M&S etc. If you want to prepare it yourself you could buy good quality ready made custard, and whip some cream to top it off. It too can be made the day before. Christmas cake is IMO nearly the same as Christmas pudding, so a slice of that with some cream or custard is just as nice. M&S for the cake, they are v.good.

If there are things you want but don't know how to cook, I'd say post a query on the Old Style board. You'll get loads of advice on there about cooking methods.

My best Christmas Day was the one when I got up early (for me) and drove down to Hyde Park. It was a sunny day, which of course made the difference, and the park was heaving with locals out walking, and also with tourists who are also at a bit of a loose end. It was lovely, most were in a good mood and so I exchanged lots of smiles. To have that bit of interaction with people stopped me feeling quite so lonely. Getting back for around midday left enough time to cook the turkey joint and do the veg. I'd also suggest saving a few phone calls to friends for later in the day as they will probably be glad to get away from their sulking family members.

Plan something to look forward to on Boxing Day as well.

Have a fab day.

furrydog

I think christmas on your own is a fab time.. for the following reasons..


1. your in control of the blipper

2. no domestics argumments.

3. you can get as drunk as you like

4. eat as much as you like

5. no screaming kids

6. no crap presents

7. you can play on the 360/wii/ps3 without interuption

8. you get to choose what music you listen too

9. you can surf the net ALL day

10. you can get up when you want..instead of daft O`clock when you have kids.


Merry Christmas

littleowl

kendalls_cave wrote: »

Due to having no family and friends living too far away, I will be doing Xmas on my own. I did it last year and it was a disaster, so determined to make it better this year. I've got my head around it emotionally "should be with family at this time of year" kind of stuff, but i need some idea's of food . I'm not the greatest cook in the world, but I do want to make it special. Doing a roast for one is a lot of effort, I tried it last year. Any idea's would be greatfully received

Christmas on your own can be lovely! You can eat what you want, do what you want, when you want, and enjoy your own company.

Given the choice it would definitely be Christmas on my own. After many years of bringing up family my best Christmas was spent mostly in my cellar renovating an antique chair and thus avoiding the ghastly television programmes as well as the pressures to be 'jolly'.

I suppose it is a state of mind - if you pine for company then you will be miserable, if you are happy in your skin you won't.