A positive thread if you're alone this Christmas

Katy43

This year has been really difficult so I thought it would be nice to create a positive and kind space to give us all a boost. Christmas can be a lonely time and this year especially so. Do you have any hints or tips on how to make Christmas easier or how you've kept your sanity during the Covid crisis? I escaped an abusive relationship and have been a single parent for a few years. I'll be on my own on the 25 & 26th. If it's dry I may get out and potter in the garden, if it's wet I'll have my nose in a new book that I've treated myself to.

Mnoee

I've done Christmas alone a few times - though thankfully not this year. I found food a difficult decision, and I most enjoyed eating something special for me but not really Christmassy. If you fancy a pan fried duck breast or something else you'd normally see as too expensive, now is definitely the time to treat yourself. If you can chat with family and friends online, that can help get the day in - but even if you can't, have something enjoyable planned to do for a good chunk of the day. Go easy on the booze, it's too easy to end up maudlin instead of merry. 

clive0510

if its dry will probably go for a walk over the field. feed the horses there. nothing else to do. television will probably be repeats or those animated kids cartoon films. cant stand that stuff. 

silvercar

What a lovely idea for a thread, thanks @Katy43 for starting it.

Katy43

Mnoee, having something nice to eat is a good idea. Giving ourselves a treat can give a boost. Clive0510, going for a walk is a lovely idea. If you don't find much on TV, do you like listening to music or plays on the radio? There have been times in the past where I've felt that it loneliness was an ingredient, I could have tasted it. It strips energy. Now I know the things that I can do to help so I try to make an effort to keep active and try to be grateful for at least 3 things on each day.

Pollycat

We will have our normal Christmas - pop and see my sister for a short while, then come home and cook Christmas dinner for just the two of us.

We have lots of DVD box sets and films that we'll work through.

I've been clearing out some of my old hardback books ready to charity shop so may read those before they go.

Will miss seeing friends in the pub on Christmas Eve and after Christmas.

Primrose

Lovely thoughtful idea!   .  Let's all try to tune into the thread for a few minutes, even if we're not alone. 
   We tried to hold a Facetime video call with relatives overseas over the weekend.  Our internet connection was terrible and the thought occurred to us that with so many of us forced to use Zoom, Skype, Facetime over this Christmas period  to connect with friends and relatives, Christmas Day may well be a frustrating time with the the internet.   Be prepared for added pressure and perhaps some disappointing severed connections.  It isn't just the UK which is in virtual lockdown.   Much of Europe, the US and Canada are in a similar situation so internet demands, for conversations as well as entertainment needs, is going to be massive this year. 

Katy43

Oh don't get me started on rural broadband...! I did attempt Zoom once but the connection was so bad I had to give up. There will be lots of people who won't be able use Zoom, Skype or FaceTime. Maybe it's time to start an MSE Carrier Pidgeon Service? Ironically, it could be much more secure than online communications! Any more positive tips / thoughts to get us through these times anyone?

berries

I'm going to treat it as a nornormday as cant see my normal people and first year with not having my horse and my spaniel.  So if its dry I will potter around in the garden which I love doing. It's like my 2nd living room!! 
If its wet will watch stuff on iplayer.  

Have my fire on with the naughty food! I am going to cook a lovely dinner of pheasant breast wrapped in bacon,dates, herbs and a orange sauce with all the trimmings!! 

Pollycat

Katy43 said:

Oh don't get me started on rural broadband...! I did attempt Zoom once but the connection was so bad I had to give up. There will be lots of people who won't be able use Zoom, Skype or FaceTime. Maybe it's time to start an MSE Carrier Pidgeon Service? Ironically, it could be much more secure than online communications! Any more positive tips / thoughts to get us through these times anyone?

Don't stress.

It's one day - it was one day before Boris scrapped his '5 day Christmas'.

The media and retail industry whip up a frenzy by referring to 'the big day' months before and showing endless ways to cook your turkey and make the perfect roast potatoes.

People are exhausted with gift shopping and food shopping.

People worry about upsetting other people by opting to go to someone else's house for Christmas dinner.

People run themselves ragged by dashing for house to house to satisfy relatives.

Stress contributes to family arguments.

Maybe this cut-down Christmas will set new traditions for future years.

tealady

Pollycat, couldn't agree more. Some people turn into Yuletide versions of Bridezillas.
On the years when I have spent the day on my own I didnt plan anything and just did what I wanted when I wanted. They were some of the best days EVER.