anywhere open in dublin city centre on xmas day

LegacyUser

does anyone know any where that is open in dublin city centre on xmas day. somewhere someone who does not want to be home alone could drive/get out of house/get something to eat

bluejelly

I'm afraid I don't know of anywhere specifically but you could think of volunteering with a charity for the day. One that provides lunch for those less fortunate.

retro:electro

I know some hotels do dinners op but I think they may be for residents only.

PawneeRanger

Jimmy Chung's buffet used to open on Christmas day. Not sure if it still does but you could give them a bell.

LegacyUser

Sober Lane, have a look at this:

http://jrnl.ie/1806466

Lynnsie

http://jrnl.ie/1806466

Edit: sorry OP, just realised that link is for Stephens Day. Still nice idea though

miamee

A few hotels seem to be open for it alright but prices are steep (€100+ for dinner). The one I looked at there was Bewleys in Ballsbridge but I have no idea what part of the country you are in. There are bound to be others anyway.

If it's an option, you could also look at having a special day at home just for you. Plan what movies to watch, what to have for dinner (whatever is your favourite, doesn't have to be turkey and ham), call some people, maybe invite a neighbour in for a drink, whatever. Just a suggestion, I've no idea if Christmas day alone is the norm for you or because of circumstances this year or whatever

IlmoNT4

My experience of being along on Xmas is that you need a plan OP for Xmas eve, Xmas day and Stephens day.

First off, how do you think you might feel going to a hotel where there are lots of people with their families, it might be a little over whelming. If you think that you really would like to have some where to go, then I'd research volunteering (homeless kitchens, DSPCA, AGE AWARE - lots of elderly people who'd like a visitor on Xmas), hosting a little Xmas party yourself either on Xmas eve or Xmas night (doesnt have to be fancy, few drinks). Or check yourself into a nice hotel if you have the cash, you'll have a total change of scene and it wouldnt feel as bad, or you could even take a flight some where and spend Xmas in another country. Also I know there are yoga retreats, meditation retreats over Xmas here in Ireland. I've heard good things about these.

If your budget cant stretch to something like that then you need a rock solid plan for those 3 days. I know, I've been there. It can really finish you off, sitting alone on Xmas day thinking about everyone else in the world with their families. If your like me, you dont want to gate crash someone elses Xmas day, like a friends but if thats an options for you, go for it... seriously, take any offer you can. People dont care and are happy to have a guest, especially in Ireland

So your plan, Xmas eve, try and arrange to meet someone for a coffee that day, or tidy up your house, get everything really nice for yourself. Get nice food in and some booze (dont hit the bottle, it'll make it worse). Buy yourself a nice present and wrap it up. Make dinner on Xmas day, have movies, a bath, do nails try and see it as a chill out day/pamper day. For Stephens day, lots of people go to the pub, I'd see if you could meet a friend for a drink, get dressed up, I know you might not feel like it but do it. A few years ago myself and a friend walked around the phoenix park on Stephen days and then we made dinner, it was great.

The most important thing to remember OP is that its just a day and you'll get through it with the right attitude. Its ok to feel lonely but reach out to everyone you know and let them know that you'll be alone this Xmas and see who else might want to meet up.
Good Luck

cgcsb

Starbucks on college green opened the past years on Xmas.

LegacyUser

loulou2009 wrote: »

My experience of being along on Xmas is that you need a plan OP for Xmas eve, Xmas day and Stephens day.

First off, how do you think you might feel going to a hotel where there are lots of people with their families, it might be a little over whelming. If you think that you really would like to have some where to go, then I'd research volunteering (homeless kitchens, DSPCA, AGE AWARE - lots of elderly people who'd like a visitor on Xmas), hosting a little Xmas party yourself either on Xmas eve or Xmas night (doesnt have to be fancy, few drinks). Or check yourself into a nice hotel if you have the cash, you'll have a total change of scene and it wouldnt feel as bad, or you could even take a flight some where and spend Xmas in another country. Also I know there are yoga retreats, meditation retreats over Xmas here in Ireland. I've heard good things about these.

If your budget cant stretch to something like that then you need a rock solid plan for those 3 days. I know, I've been there. It can really finish you off, sitting alone on Xmas day thinking about everyone else in the world with their families. If your like me, you dont want to gate crash someone elses Xmas day, like a friends but if thats an options for you, go for it... seriously, take any offer you can. People dont care and are happy to have a guest, especially in Ireland

So your plan, Xmas eve, try and arrange to meet someone for a coffee that day, or tidy up your house, get everything really nice for yourself. Get nice food in and some booze (dont hit the bottle, it'll make it worse). Buy yourself a nice present and wrap it up. Make dinner on Xmas day, have movies, a bath, do nails try and see it as a chill out day/pamper day. For Stephens day, lots of people go to the pub, I'd see if you could meet a friend for a drink, get dressed up, I know you might not feel like it but do it. A few years ago myself and a friend walked around the phoenix park on Stephen days and then we made dinner, it was great.

The most important thing to remember OP is that its just a day and you'll get through it with the right attitude. Its ok to feel lonely but reach out to everyone you know and let them know that you'll be alone this Xmas and see who else might want to meet up.
Good Luck

Do men do their nails :-). I have medical issues and cannot do volunteer. My father died earlier this year and that makes it really black. i live in a place of families and mixing with them makes me feels worse after.I have good friends here but do niot want to impose or think i should put my depression on them

So i don't. I would like a hotel where I could have meal in the room not have to see anyone with families. I do not care about cost. Like to eat get drunk not have to drive home
"People dont care and are happy to have a guest, especially in Ireland"i care it is more lonely to have to come home after being with people who have families

Flying to a foreign country would be families on the plane?

Thanks people
who goes to yoga - families?

homerjay2005

most hotels are open i think, so if you have some spare cash, book in for 2 nights and have dinner there.

IlmoNT4

Some men do

If you have good friends then I would impose, but I know it doesnt feel great to hang out with families and then come home to an empty house. Makes the sting just that little bit worse...totally get it

I think a lot of hotels will probably have families and groups but I'm not sure, I've never gone to a hotel for Xmas day. I usually go with the stay indoor strategy, pamper myself, watch movies and hope that Xmas passes quickly without me getting too upset. Once you get to Stephens day, you are in the home stretch

I think it would be a mix of people on the plane...
Most people who do Yoga retreats over Xmas generally go on their own

Sorry to hear about you Dad, OP reach to good friends, you'll need some support over Xmas

LegacyUser

loulou2009 wrote: »

Some men do

If you have good friends then I would impose, but I know it doesnt feel great to hang out with families and then come home to an empty house. Makes the sting just that little bit worse...totally get it

I think a lot of hotels will probably have families and groups but I'm not sure, I've never gone to a hotel for Xmas day. I usually go with the stay indoor strategy, pamper myself, watch movies and hope that Xmas passes quickly without me getting too upset. Once you get to Stephens day, you are in the home stretch

I think it would be a mix of people on the plane...
Most people who do Yoga retreats over Xmas generally go on their own

Sorry to hear about you Dad, OP reach to good friends, you'll need some support over Xmas

This is op not sure if username exactly the same, on different computer now

well i did not get asked anywhere to impose. i have been alone last few years but my father was on the phone. have you spent alot of xmas days alone

I do not know how to reach out very independent

LegacyUser

no_xmas wrote: »

Flying to a foreign country would be families on the plane?

No one can say 100% if there will or won't be families on a flight....chances are yes there will some, there normally are on any flight but will they take over the plane and make you feel unhappy/uncomfortable. If you have the funds to travel for xmas go for it. Xmas isn't a major holiday everywhere so plenty of places to go were things will be open as normal. I've spent xmas in Singapore and Cambodia before and both were great. New York is also great for Xmas as plenty of shows and cinemas open and plenty of places to eat and several galleries and museums (mainly Jewish ones) are open.

doireann08

No Xmas. I would recommend going away
Yoga retreats are great - there is one in the burren however it starts dec 27th. Most people who go to yoga retreats go on their own

Not sure if I allowed to post links here but there is a yoga retreat in from Dec 22nd -28th . It is pricy though, but coukd be an option. http://www.yogaretreats.ie/xmas.htm

suicide_circus

cgcsb wrote: »

Starbucks on college green opened the past years on Xmas.

Oh lord, how grim that would be.
OP, my advise would be to host an "apres family" party for friends, that's what we're doing!

Lux23

Book into a hotel for two nights, order room service and watch movies/crap TV and have a few drinks.

It is still a bit early yet though, I'm sure your friends will ask you what you are doing for Xmas. Also, I would imagine many hotels will have plenty of single people booking in for Christmas.

LegacyUser

suicide_circus wrote: »

Oh lord, how grim that would be.
OP, my advise would be to host an "apres family" party for friends, that's what we're doing!

I do not want to party, my father has died this year

LegacyUser

Lux23 wrote: »

Book into a hotel for two nights, order room service and watch movies/crap TV and have a few drinks.

It is still a bit early yet though, I'm sure your friends will ask you what you are doing for Xmas. Also, I would imagine many hotels will have plenty of single people booking in for Christmas.

i am not one to 'go' to someone for xmas. i would feel imposing or playing gooseberry

Stavro Mueller

I think if I was on my own Christmas day and wanted to get away, I'd nip over the water to London and take one of these walking tours http://www.londontown.com/London/Christmas-Day-and-Boxing-Day, explore a bit and have a few drinks. Or I'd stay up really late Christmas Eve and spend half the next day sleeping. Personally I'd be a bit cautious about booking into a hotel, especially if you were planning on just being holed up in your room. Hotel rooms can be grim places if you're feeling lonely and a bit low.

cloud493

Mcdonalds on oconell street will be open I think? Not ideal for a christmas day obviously, but if your really stuck. If you want a proper christmas lunch, as others have said, a hotel would be the best way to go, but its not cheap.

LegacyUser

cloud493 wrote: »

Mcdonalds on oconell street will be open I think? Not ideal for a christmas day obviously, but if your really stuck. If you want a proper christmas lunch, as others have said, a hotel would be the best way to go, but its not cheap.

a woman whose wisdom i admire said to me once there are worse things in life than losing a few hundred euro. the money is ok i want somewhre i do not have to see families as i did at garden centre today . they were buying xmas trees. i am the only house where i live never decorated or with lights

what happened to the new captcha

cloud493

http://www.marriott.com/hotelwebsites/us/d/dubbr/0-modules/custom/8rwouug_christmas/modules_PDFs/Christmas_Day_Menu_2014._NEW.pdf

There you go, thats apparently the shelbourne's christmas day menu. 155 a pop.

doireann08

I would think about going away for Xmas

I travel a lot and have been to cuba,india, argentina, china and malaysia for xmas. They don't celebrate it as much there. People that I have met travelling are a mix of people on their own or with friends. I have always had a great time and for me it was a great way to get way frojm all the family drama.

Unfortunately there is no getting around the presence of families on flights though.

Saipanne

The shelbourne does Xmas dinner.

Stavro Mueller

no_xmas wrote: »

a woman whose wisdom i admire said to me once there are worse things in life than losing a few hundred euro. the money is ok i want somewhre i do not have to see families as i did at garden centre today . they were buying xmas trees. i am the only house where i live never decorated or with lights

When did your problem with seeing families arise? Is it because of Christmas? I know seeing families out and about can be like a knife to the heart when you're feeling lonely but unless you're planning on hiding out for the foreseeable future you're going to see them. It's inevitable, just like death and taxes. I honestly can't think of anywhere you'd be able to go for Christmas and not spot some. Airports, ferry ports, railway stations, shopping centres, restaurants, hotels.. Would it be worth going to bereavement counselling I wonder?

m'lady

I second bereavement counselling OP. This fixation on not wanting to see families needs to be dealt with. Is this one of the reasons you don't want to impose on people that have invited you?

Can I ask, what age/sex are you?

doireann08

I second what m'lady and Stavros have said. It may be worth looking into bereavement counselling as it will be impossible to continue to avoid running into families when you are out and about

December2012

I'm really sorry for you that you've lost your father. Don't put any pressure on yourself to have a good time - maybe this year Christmas is just something to endure rather than enjoy.

Is there a reason you don't want to stay in your own house? It's one way to keep your creature comforts around you and not see families.

Berserker

no_xmas wrote: »

My father died earlier this year and that makes it really black.

I understand your pain and I am sorry for your loss. The first Christmas after such a death is always going to be difficult. I have to be honest and tell you that you should not feel obliged to celebrate Christmas to keep other people happy. Spend Christmas doing whatever makes you feel best w.r.t dealing with the loss of your father. Have you considered going abroad? Xmas isn't as big elsewhere. I am not an Xmas person at all myself and I know others who are the same and they go to the USA or Middle East for the few days to avoid it all.

Xenor1

I spent Christmas in a youth hostel once and had a good time. Mainly single travelers and a nice atmosphere.

LegacyUser

m'lady wrote: »

I second bereavement counselling OP. This fixation on not wanting to see families needs to be dealt with. Is this one of the reasons you don't want to impose on people that have invited you?

Can I ask, what age/sex are you?

no one has invited me actually. it is why partly why i would not go if asked

LegacyUser

Berserker wrote: »

I understand your pain and I am sorry for your loss. The first Christmas after such a death is always going to be difficult. I have to be honest and tell you that you should not feel obliged to celebrate Christmas to keep other people happy. Spend Christmas doing whatever makes you feel best w.r.t dealing with the loss of your father. Have you considered going abroad? Xmas isn't as big elsewhere. I am not an Xmas person at all myself and I know others who are the same and they go to the USA or Middle East for the few days to avoid it all.

i do not feel obliged to celebrate it to keep others happy. there are no others. i do not want to be at home cos i did it last six years but would phone my father and see him over it. families remind me how i have missed having family.. i have had relationships but they did not last

What i want is somewhere to hide out i guess but have food and drink without having to shop or cook or meet anyone where i live whose children have santa etc and have happy decorate homes. ostrich psychology. my thing with families is at holiday times and times like halloween as someone asked

cloud493

Well if thats really what you want a nice hotel dinner is what you want. Probably be a bar there as well.

LegacyUser

cloud493 wrote: »

Well if thats really what you want a nice hotel dinner is what you want. Probably be a bar there as well.

won't be alone there. rang hotels to book in eat in room no vacancies

cloud493

Did you try the hotel in clontarf? They're doing a Christmas day dinner as well.

santana75

Op if you can afford it, I think New york would be a great option. A lot of places open on Christmas day in the states so you would have a lot to do.
I mean youre gonna see families and groups of people together but that'll be the case everywhere. I know thats a painful experience for you but the reason it is is because of the way youre framing everything and looking at people and the world. Its like the grass is always greener. Its not. Trust me I know some folks who have kids who'd love to get away and spend crimbo in New york by themselves, no kids or spouse in tow.

LegacyUser

santana75 wrote: »

Op if you can afford it, I think New york would be a great option. A lot of places open on Christmas day in the states so you would have a lot to do.
I mean youre gonna see families and groups of people together but that'll be the case everywhere. I know thats a painful experience for you but the reason it is is because of the way youre framing everything and looking at people and the world. Its like the grass is always greener. Its not. Trust me I know some folks who have kids who'd love to get away and spend crimbo in New york by themselves, no kids or spouse in tow.

they are not by themselves all the time. I would like NY but have health issue to impede travel

Grandpa Hassan

I'm not sure what more you can expect to get out of this thread, OP. There have been a load of suggestions thrown out, which you say are not feasible for one reason or another. It seems that you are really looking for a hotel room, in which you can hunker down and order food and drink. There should be plenty of rooms.....booking.com is showing 244 hotels in Co. Dublin with rooms available from 24th to 26th December

helimachoptor

Mosque in Clonskeagh is open, plenty of non muslims there

santana75

no_xmas wrote: »

they are not by themselves all the time. I would like NY but have health issue to impede travel

This is true and I see where you're coming from. But it sounds like you need to get to know yourself more, like yourself and take care of yourself. Maybe even make peace with yourself because it sounds like you're not at peace.
I read a quote once and it basically said that he who is at peace with himself is at peace with the world. Just start by caring for yourself, bit by bit you build it up. I mean straight off the bat, try to see the nice things about families when they cross your path, not just see them as a representation of what you dont have in your life. See them for the love and warmth that they have for each other and when you do that you'll feel that love and warmth yourself. Its a choice. You can see the world in terms of everything you dont have or you can see the beauty and love in every day things. Look after yourself at christmas, dont hit the booze or try to numb how you feel with whatever distractions. Look for the good in whats around you, trust me its there and when you do that you'll feel so much better.

IlmoNT4

OP I'm know how hard this is..... Too answer your question, yes I've had many Xmas on my own. I've tried different things to try and make it ok that I dont have a family to go to. It's a lonely time and I figured a few years ago that I could either spend every Xmas pouring wine into myself and getting very upset for 3 days or I could try and be positive, and make the day as nice as possible for myself, hence my Xmas day of pampering.

Some years I order food from Tesco, which they deliver before Xmas, some years I go and buy everything I need. If I feel very bad then I cook a big dinner on Xmas eve and have it over Xmas or if I feel ok, then I'll spend Xmas day cooking dinner, listening to music, watching movies, having my bath and all the stuff I planned.
I know, you dont feel like doing any of this...but you have a choice on how bad Xmas will be. No one invited you to their home, you wouldnt like this, but if you feel very bad, then I'd suggest asking a few people could you come over. Just sometimes you have to be that person who asks....cause people dont realise that your alone and not feeling great.

But if you really feel bad then just be kind to yourself, think about what nice things you could have prepared ahead of time and start getting things ready now. Even if its buying yourself a present or a pile of new books (if you read) or whatever it is that you like to do thats relaxing.

Heres what I've learnt about Xmas over the years, its just a day and it can be as loaded or unloaded as you decide. I've tried lots of different things like decorating, having people over to my house in the evening, going to someone elses house, laying in bed crying for the day..I've done it all and I've found that my pamper day is what works for me. I hope this helps you...

Stavro Mueller

OP, be careful what you wish for. If you're not feeling the happiest in the world, spending the day holed up in a hotel room may not be the answer. Sometimes I have to travel as part of my job and stay in hotels by myself. While I'm someone who's quite content with my own company and indeed need plenty of "me" time to recharge the batteries, I don't always enjoy being on my own in them. I can't quite put my finger on it but sometimes they just feel like the most soulless, lonely places in the world and no amount of TV, iPads with Netflix, hot baths with hotel toiletries, books etc. can cure it.

ABajaninCork

See your GP. I think there's more going on here, and you sound so sad and lost. Counselling would be good for you too.

LegacyUser

loulou2009 wrote: »

I've tried lots of different things like ........ laying in bed crying for the day.....

If you don't mind my asking did that help. Was it cathartic. Did you feel better after. Might try it i never cried at my fathers death. Another relation died also this year and an old girlfriend of mine

IlmoNT4

Crying can help, its ok to feel sad and cry OP. You've had some tough things to deal with. Yes it does make me feel better but if there is something in my life that is making me sad, I cry about it, but I also call a friend and talk about it or I write about. You have to get these things out and everyone needs emotional support. You need to build a support network for yourself of people who you can talk too or just even sit with you if you dont feel like talking.

I really think that you have a lot going on emotionally, do you think it would be possible to go see a councilor to talk about how you feel? I've found going to counselling to be really helpful in learning how to expressing my emotions and its made my life a lot better

Stavro Mueller

ABajaninCork put it very well when she said you sound so sad and lost. You do and I think it's desperately sad that you feel you have to hide out in a hotel room on Christmas day. I think your "ostrich" way of dealing with problems can only take you so far and there's a danger this could spill over into the way you live your life the rest of the year. For example, who's to say your dreading seeing families buying Christmas trees this time of year won't become you not wanting to see them other times of year? I think you could do with talking to a professional and getting your life back on track.

LegacyUser

loulou2009 wrote: »

Crying can help, its ok to feel sad and cry OP. You've had some tough things to deal with. Yes it does make me feel better but if there is something in my life that is making me sad, I cry about it, but I also call a friend and talk about it or I write about. You have to get these things out and everyone needs emotional support. You need to build a support network for yourself of people who you can talk too or just even sit with you if you dont feel like talking.

I really think that you have a lot going on emotionally, do you think it would be possible to go see a councilor to talk about how you feel? I've found going to counselling to be really helpful in learning how to expressing my emotions and its made my life a lot better

I don't know maybe differentv for ladies. But i do not see how people can give emotional support. they have their own lives. sometimes they will get fed up of people asking for help. i have seen someone who had mental issues. his friends just got fed up of him and told hime to get his act together follow advice of is hostpital doctors. he was in a hosp for months


I am a private person i would not ask

LegacyUser

Stavro Mueller wrote: »

ABajaninCork put it very well when she said you sound so sad and lost. You do and I think it's desperately sad that you feel you have to hide out in a hotel room on Christmas day. I think your "ostrich" way of dealing with problems can only take you so far and there's a danger this could spill over into the way you live your life the rest of the year. For example, who's to say your dreading seeing families buying Christmas trees this time of year won't become you not wanting to see them other times of year? I think you could do with talking to a professional and getting your life back on track.

There is nothing a professional can do to change people's circumstances. i think there is a lot of misinformation about how help is available to anyone who suffer depression etc. it is not that simple. they usually get drugs or told to have a different attitude . it doesn not change anything.
.I think therapy is way oversold. That is my opinion having experienced it may years ago

ABajaninCork

no_xmas wrote: »

There is nothing a professional can do to change people's circumstances. i think there is a lot of misinformation about how help is available to anyone who suffer depression etc. it is not that simple. they usually get drugs or told to have a different attitude . it doesn not change anything.
.I think therapy is way oversold. That is my opinion having experienced it may years ago

Look -I'm going to be blunt here. We've tried our very best to give you advice and pointers on how to deal with your sad situation. Everything that has been suggested has been shot down by you, giving various excuses as to why it won't or can't work. You seem to be intent on wallowing in misery and making no attempt to help yourself. There is no magic cure. Getting your life together takes lots and lots of effort and hard work -even if you don't feel like it.

I'm sorry about what happened to you. I really am. But having a pity party and avoiding families and other people isn't the answer.

I hope it works out for you.

LegacyUser

ABajaninCork wrote: »

Look -I'm going to be blunt here. We've tried our very best to give you advice and pointers on how to deal with your sad situation. Everything that has been suggested has been shot down by you, giving various excuses as to why it won't or can't work. You seem to be intent on wallowing in misery and making no attempt to help yourself. There is no magic cure. Getting your life together takes lots and lots of effort and hard work -even if you don't feel like it.

I'm sorry about what happened to you. I really am. But having a pity party and avoiding families and other people isn't the answer.

I hope it works out for you.

+ 1 I'm going to have to agree with ABanjaninCork here. I get where your coming from OP I really do, I lost my dad two days before my birthday seven years ago and I've not celebrated my birthday since and avoid everyone on the day as much as I can. The first xmas is beyond hazzy in my mind as it was only a few months after his passing and I was still running on auto pilot. It wasn't until nearly a year later that it hit and I had an awful breakdown. I to felt I couldn't go to family and friends with my grief as I felt they would have expected me to 'get over' by then. I worried I was boring friends or being self centered if I wanted to talk about my dad and as a result I didn't talk at all and everything just built up. I told family I would go to speak to my GP and get help but never did as I also though it how could they help and they'll only just tick boxes and I'd just be another number to them.

I was wrong OP, so wrong. Family and friends are there even if you are someone like me who naturally doesn't feel like they have many and spends more time alone then with people. Perfect strangers are there in the forum of medical professionals who can help even when you think they can't and even just people like these forums. I was one of the people who pushed boards to create the bereavement forum as a sub forum of this one as it was a great help and still is a help to many who just need an outlet for their grief. Counseling for grief and depression is not an exact science where they can tell you straight away what to do to 'fix things' there is no fixing things, no cure, your going to miss your dad always but there are ways to channel that grief and you can be helped to find that outlet that works for you. Mine didn't give me pills they got me to start painting and I filled rooms with portraits to my dad, and cried and yelled while I did them but it was a great help for me.

The big thing OP is you have to make that move. Your full of excuses, so was I. I spent a year + locked in my house, barely functioning and then I made the choice to not prejudge things and speak to my GP and when the first person they refered me to didn't help I didn't give up I went back and got refered else where and I found what worked for me.