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Would anyone else prefer to be alone at Christmas?

  • 17-11-2020 9:04pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,293 ✭✭✭pinkyeye


    I have such a dilemma this year. My mother is dying of terminal cancer and still at home so she doesn't want lots of people in her house, that's understandable and fine, I don't have any problem with that.

    My daughter is spending Christmas with her in laws because she hasn't ever done so, that's fair enough too.

    That leaves me with my two sons, one sharing a house in Dublin, one sharing an apartment in Dublin so we don't know what to do. I live in Tipperary by the way, lads are not interested in coming down to me because they want to be near their mates for socialising etc.

    So my choices are to go to my eldest son's house and cook the dinner there, cause he wouldn't be capable of cooking a christmas dinner or go to my second son's apartment, same situation.

    I honestly don't feel like doing either because I feel like they're just putting up with me cause they feel that's what they should do and I'll have to do all the work in a kitchen that's not mine so it's much harder.

    Anyway, rant over. Let me know your thoughts.


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,100 ✭✭✭✭Spanish Eyes


    pinkyeye wrote: »
    I have such a dilemma this year. My mother is dying of terminal cancer and still at home so she doesn't want lots of people in her house, that's understandable and fine, I don't have any problem with that.

    My daughter is spending Christmas with her in laws because she hasn't ever done so, that's fair enough too.

    That leaves me with my two sons, one sharing a house in Dublin, one sharing an apartment in Dublin so we don't know what to do. I live in Tipperary by the way, lads are not interested in coming down to me because they want to be near their mates for socialising etc.

    So my choices are to go to my eldest son's house and cook the dinner there, cause he wouldn't be capable of cooking a christmas dinner or go to my second son's apartment, same situation.

    I honestly don't feel like doing either because I feel like they're just putting up with me cause they feel that's what they should do and I'll have to do all the work in a kitchen that's not mine so it's much harder.

    Anyway, rant over. Let me know your thoughts.

    Go to your mother. No brainer.

    Your kids will be fine for many a year PG. I think you know what is best anyway.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,535 ✭✭✭✭Purple Mountain


    Hi OP.

    I've lived in house shares in my 20s and tbh it's not the type of place I'd want to spend Christmas.
    I always packed up and went home for a week or more if I could. Even once I had to work one of the bank holiday days, I commuted the mammoth journey home.
    So I don't think you'd enjoy leaving your cosy home going to spend the Christmas in your son's flat. Sorry of it sounds like generalizing but if theres a group of young fellas there renting, they're going to be sitting around drinking and like you said, you'll be the one cooking there. You won't have your usual Christmas utensils that only come out once a year and you'll be in a spare room that might not have been aired out in a while.
    I'd stay put. Id be betting that one of them will be lured home for a least a day to your home cooking.
    If not, could you not ask your daughter and partner to come on the 26th or 27th and do your Christmas dinner that day. Use the 25th as a relaxing day, bath and movies and a simple meal for yourself.
    In my house growing up when others were coming home later on in the Christmas week, we would do the official dinner a few days after the 25th.
    There'll be plenty of us on this site here on the 25th avoiding arguments with relatives so you'll have plenty of company. :)

    To thine own self be true



  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    pinkyeye wrote: »
    I have such a dilemma this year. My mother is dying of terminal cancer and still at home so she doesn't want lots of people in her house, that's understandable and fine, I don't have any problem with that.

    My daughter is spending Christmas with her in laws because she hasn't ever done so, that's fair enough too.

    That leaves me with my two sons, one sharing a house in Dublin, one sharing an apartment in Dublin so we don't know what to do. I live in Tipperary by the way, lads are not interested in coming down to me because they want to be near their mates for socialising etc.

    So my choices are to go to my eldest son's house and cook the dinner there, cause he wouldn't be capable of cooking a christmas dinner or go to my second son's apartment, same situation.

    I honestly don't feel like doing either because I feel like they're just putting up with me cause they feel that's what they should do and I'll have to do all the work in a kitchen that's not mine so it's much harder.

    Anyway, rant over. Let me know your thoughts.

    Pack your young fellas' bags, and send them on a guilt trip.

    Their granny is dying of cancer, they need to pull on their big boys pants, come home to Tipp, and be there for their mother. Could be their granny's last Christmas.

    Tell them they're selfish little bo11ixs, and show them this thread.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 30,876 ✭✭✭✭HeidiHeidi


    Pack your young fellas' bags, and send them on a guilt trip.

    Their granny is dying of cancer, they need to pull on their big boys pants, come home to Tipp, and be there for their mother. Could be their granny's last Christmas.

    Tell them they're selfish little bo11ixs, and show them this thread.
    This.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,162 ✭✭✭Rubberchikken


    Your sons need to grow up.
    Socialising is fairly out the window at present never mind this Christmas.
    Why don't they come home and help out. Maybe that way they'd learn what's involved in producing a dinner on Christmas day.

    Sorry about your mum, op, you're going through a tough time. Take care.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 887 ✭✭✭Abel Ruiz


    Their granny is dying of cancer, they need to pull on their big boys pants, come home to Tipp, and be there for their mother. Could be their granny's last Christmas.

    Tell them they're selfish little bo11ixs, and show them this thread.

    Their grandmother might not want visitors rambling into the house.
    The two lads are in Dublin, and like many of us, obviously being told not to visit anyone that is dying of cancer, since march.

    But of course, guilt them into a visit, and maybe they can bring more than just an auld gift with them to Tipp.

    They should visit their mother but not the grandmother.

    And, also, don't be making a slap up meal for them if you go to them.
    They cook, you're the guest. They can learn. It's not that hard


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,436 ✭✭✭✭Mrs OBumble


    Your kid has reached 20 something and cannot manage to cook a roast? Really???

    Find some elderly people in your neighbourhood who would otherwise be alone, and invite them to yours for Christmas dinner.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 887 ✭✭✭Abel Ruiz



    Find some elderly people in your neighbourhood who would otherwise be alone, and invite them to yours for Christmas dinner.

    Eldery? Really? The whole country is level 5 right now.
    Do you think in 5 weeks inviting eldery people to your house for dinner is a good idea?
    We'll probably be level 5 for January and February if December is a free for all!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,989 ✭✭✭kravmaga


    Stay with your mother who is dying, your sons im sure you can catch up with after Xmas.

    Spend the precious time left with your mom.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,203 ✭✭✭Immortal Starlight


    If I was you I’d try to spend as much time as possible with your mam. You will never get this precious time back again and in years to come when you look back you will know you did everything you could and you will be glad. Hope you and your family have a happy Christmas.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,800 ✭✭✭Dr. Bre


    Home alone ?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 887 ✭✭✭Abel Ruiz


    I'd bate the three of ye up and down the parish with yer own arms.

    Ungrateful sons- the curse of every Irish mother. Feckless whelps couldn't bother their ars3 travelling a couple of hours to spend Christmas with their mother, all alone, and her own mother dying.
    Shame on ye


    So you agree that the sons shouldn't visit their grandmother but definitely visit their mother.
    That's all you had to say!!!!


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    Abel Ruiz wrote: »

    So you agree that the sons shouldn't visit their grandmother but definitely visit their mother.
    That's all you had to say!!!!

    So you agree they should get themselves down to Tipp for their old lade?

    Thats all you had to say.
    (Am I doing this right?)


  • Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 7,974 Mod ✭✭✭✭HildaOgdenx


    I'm very sorry about your mother pinky. That's very difficult.

    I would, in that situation, prefer my home comforts, tbh, and would leave the sons to their own devices and to do their own dinner. As suggested upthread, I would have your daughter visit a few days later and have the full works Christmas dinner, if that is something you would enjoy doing.

    Mind yourself.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,308 ✭✭✭antimatterx


    Maybe its just me, but I find it weird your kids aren't jumping at the chance to come down to their folks for Christmas.

    I live at home, I'll probably be out by next Christmas, I don't see myself not coming home at Christmas.


  • Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 55,460 Mod ✭✭✭✭Necro


    Mod:

    Not a CA, moving to AH. Reminder to read the charter before posting


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,634 ✭✭✭✭Graces7


    Your kid has reached 20 something and cannot manage to cook a roast? Really???

    Find some elderly people in your neighbourhood who would otherwise be alone, and invite them to yours for Christmas dinner.

    Speaking as an old person.. Even in younger days some of the most uncomfortable Christmasses I have spent were at someone else's house as you suggest.

    If you know the people well that is different.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,634 ✭✭✭✭Graces7


    If I was you I’d try to spend as much time as possible with your mam. You will never get this precious time back again and in years to come when you look back you will know you did everything you could and you will be glad. Hope you and your family have a happy Christmas.

    Perfect. Just perfect.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,634 ✭✭✭✭Graces7


    I'd bate the three of ye up and down the parish with yer own arms.

    Ungrateful sons- the curse of every Irish mother. Feckless whelps couldn't bother their ars3 travelling a couple of hours to spend Christmas with their mother, all alone, and her own mother dying.
    Shame on ye

    Post of the year!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,634 ✭✭✭✭Graces7


    pinkyeye wrote: »
    I have such a dilemma this year. My mother is dying of terminal cancer and still at home so she doesn't want lots of people in her house, that's understandable and fine, I don't have any problem with that.

    My daughter is spending Christmas with her in laws because she hasn't ever done so, that's fair enough too.

    That leaves me with my two sons, one sharing a house in Dublin, one sharing an apartment in Dublin so we don't know what to do. I live in Tipperary by the way, lads are not interested in coming down to me because they want to be near their mates for socialising etc.

    So my choices are to go to my eldest son's house and cook the dinner there, cause he wouldn't be capable of cooking a christmas dinner or go to my second son's apartment, same situation.

    I honestly don't feel like doing either because I feel like they're just putting up with me cause they feel that's what they should do and I'll have to do all the work in a kitchen that's not mine so it's much harder.

    Anyway, rant over. Let me know your thoughts.

    (((HUGS))) What do YOU want to do? If you feel happiest just visiting your mother, do it.

    If you feel happier at home alone? That is fine too. Cook yourself a lovely meal! Enjoy not waiting on others!

    I am planning just that, as I always do now. A good festive meal and a warm fireside. Bliss..

    Look after YOU! Looks as if no one else will!


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,062 ✭✭✭Icsics


    Stay with your mother, enjoy your time together, pull out all the stops for Christmas. Your kids are suiting themselves, you do the same


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,740 ✭✭✭Foweva Awone


    Ask your mother exactly what she wants to do, what her ideal Christmas would be this year. Where and with whom.

    Do what you can to arrange this. It may be her last one.

    One idea might be for you and her (and whoever else she wants) to have Christmas Dinner in a nice hotel or restaurant? Lots of people do this if they don't want to cook at home, obviously with Covid-19 it's all a bit up in the air, but you could start ringing places now to enquire.

    Your sons don't need to miss out on socialising, one or two nights is all they'd have to come home for. (Chances are most/all of their housemates and friends will be returning to their own homes for Christmas anyways, so they'll have no one to socialise with on the day!)


  • Posts: 13,688 ✭✭✭✭ Madalynn Big Strikeout


    Ask your mother exactly what she wants to do, what her ideal Christmas would be this year. Where and with whom.

    Do what you can to arrange this. It may be her last one.

    One idea might be for you and her (and whoever else she wants) to have Christmas Dinner in a nice hotel or restaurant? Lots of people do this if they don't want to cook at home, obviously with Covid-19 it's all a bit up in the air, but you could start ringing places now to enquire.

    Your sons don't need to miss out on socialising, one or two nights is all they'd have to come home for. (Chances are most/all of their housemates and friends will be returning to their own homes for Christmas anyways, so they'll have no one to socialise with on the day!)

    Great post.

    Not much more I could add to this.


  • Posts: 11,614 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    pinkyeye wrote: »
    I have such a dilemma this year. My mother is dying of terminal cancer and still at home so she doesn't want lots of people in her house, that's understandable and fine, I don't have any problem with that.

    My daughter is spending Christmas with her in laws because she hasn't ever done so, that's fair enough too.

    That leaves me with my two sons, one sharing a house in Dublin, one sharing an apartment in Dublin so we don't know what to do. I live in Tipperary by the way, lads are not interested in coming down to me because they want to be near their mates for socialising etc.

    So my choices are to go to my eldest son's house and cook the dinner there, cause he wouldn't be capable of cooking a christmas dinner or go to my second son's apartment, same situation.

    I honestly don't feel like doing either because I feel like they're just putting up with me cause they feel that's what they should do and I'll have to do all the work in a kitchen that's not mine so it's much harder.

    Anyway, rant over. Let me know your thoughts.

    Cooking christmas dinner in either son's house share is a non-runner. You don't know what basic equipment is missing or not working. You could go to put the turkey in the oven on Christmas morning only to betold "Oh yeah the oven doesn't work".

    Going to your mothers is the obvious plan. Make it happy for her.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 887 ✭✭✭Abel Ruiz


    So you agree they should get themselves down to Tipp for their old lade?

    Thats all you had to say.
    (Am I doing this right?)

    I did say that. Its the first post you quoted.
    Good lad Mike.
    I think you need a good auld battering yourself, ya big clown


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,874 ✭✭✭Edgware


    pinkyeye wrote: »
    I have such a dilemma this year. My mother is dying of terminal cancer and still at home so she doesn't want lots of people in her house, that's understandable and fine, I don't have any problem with that.

    My daughter is spending Christmas with her in laws because she hasn't ever done so, that's fair enough too.

    That leaves me with my two sons, one sharing a house in Dublin, one sharing an apartment in Dublin so we don't know what to do. I live in Tipperary by the way, lads are not interested in coming down to me because they want to be near their mates for socialising etc.

    So my choices are to go to my eldest son's house and cook the dinner there, cause he wouldn't be capable of cooking a christmas dinner or go to my second son's apartment, same situation.

    I honestly don't feel like doing either because I feel like they're just putting up with me cause they feel that's what they should do and I'll have to do all the work in a kitchen that's not mine so it's much harder.

    Anyway, rant over. Let me know your thoughts.
    Have you mentioned that you are thinking of leaving the house in your will to the Dogs Home?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,313 ✭✭✭Ubbquittious


    I wouldn't be a fan of Christmas alone myself... but this fella is




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,436 ✭✭✭✭Mrs OBumble



    Going to your mothers is the obvious plan. Make it happy for her.

    Except Mammy has said she doesn't want people there.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,293 ✭✭✭pinkyeye


    I think people maybe misunderstood my original post. My mother is also in Dublin and her house is normally the centre of all the action but obviously this year it simply can't be. She's terrified of getting Covid or getting any infection because if she ends up in hospital she won't have any visitors. She took a bad turn a couple of weeks ago and we thought she would have to go to the hospital or hospice and the terror in her eyes was unreal to see. She just doesn't want to be alone in a hospital or hospice. Don't blame her.

    I know what people are saying, that I should go and have Christmas with her but she doesn't want to choose any of us for Christmas Day and she doesn't want a big crowd. We have asked her what she wants and she simply doesn't want the fuss. One of us will prepare dinner for her and Dad either way and deliver it.

    I agree somewhat that the lads should just get off their arses and come down but they've girlfriends in Dublin too and I just don't want them down on a guilt trip, it wouldn't be any fun, I'd rather just spend the day alone like any other day and have a dinner for everyone a week beforehand or a week after or something.

    Sad times really, if I'm honest I'd rather not celebrate this year whilst Mam is so sick. Then they all say you're being a misery guts feeling sorry for yourself.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,293 ✭✭✭pinkyeye


    Ask your mother exactly what she wants to do, what her ideal Christmas would be this year. Where and with whom.

    Do what you can to arrange this. It may be her last one.

    One idea might be for you and her (and whoever else she wants) to have Christmas Dinner in a nice hotel or restaurant? Lots of people do this if they don't want to cook at home, obviously with Covid-19 it's all a bit up in the air, but you could start ringing places now to enquire.

    Your sons don't need to miss out on socialising, one or two nights is all they'd have to come home for. (Chances are most/all of their housemates and friends will be returning to their own homes for Christmas anyways, so they'll have no one to socialise with on the day!)

    She has said for years that she would like to go to a hotel for Christmas and Dad never would. Raging now we never forced him to do it.

    She's not able to get to a hotel now, hasn't been outside of the house in months, she just can't walk more than a couple of steps.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,597 ✭✭✭gctest50


    You could always get some cats


    https://www.catsaid.ie/support-us/foster/


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,313 ✭✭✭Ubbquittious


    pinkyeye wrote: »
    Sad times really, if I'm honest I'd rather not celebrate this year whilst Mam is so sick. Then they all say you're being a misery guts feeling sorry for yourself.


    Don't mind them. If you're not feeling up to it then there's no point in pretending to be jolly. It is a sh1tty time and you don't owe it to anybody to keep them entertained.



    No harm in staying at home by yourself, light the fire make the place good and cosy, load up on sweets and comfort food and spend the days watching films and wait for the Christmas to pass.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,293 ✭✭✭pinkyeye


    gctest50 wrote: »
    You could always get some cats


    https://www.catsaid.ie/support-us/foster/

    Ah I already have a cat and a dog.

    Or if you're trying to be sarcastic then feck off. :D:D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,736 ✭✭✭fluke


    OP go with your gut instinct in what you feel is the best all round course for you, and stick to it.


  • Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 7,974 Mod ✭✭✭✭HildaOgdenx


    pinkyeye wrote: »
    I think people maybe misunderstood my original post. My mother is also in Dublin and her house is normally the centre of all the action but obviously this year it simply can't be. She's terrified of getting Covid or getting any infection because if she ends up in hospital she won't have any visitors. She took a bad turn a couple of weeks ago and we thought she would have to go to the hospital or hospice and the terror in her eyes was unreal to see. She just doesn't want to be alone in a hospital or hospice. Don't blame her.

    I know what people are saying, that I should go and have Christmas with her but she doesn't want to choose any of us for Christmas Day and she doesn't want a big crowd. We have asked her what she wants and she simply doesn't want the fuss. One of us will prepare dinner for her and Dad either way and deliver it.

    I agree somewhat that the lads should just get off their arses and come down but they've girlfriends in Dublin too and I just don't want them down on a guilt trip, it wouldn't be any fun, I'd rather just spend the day alone like any other day and have a dinner for everyone a week beforehand or a week after or something.

    Sad times really, if I'm honest I'd rather not celebrate this year whilst Mam is so sick. Then they all say you're being a misery guts feeling sorry for yourself.

    That was what I picked up from your OP, pinky, that your mam didn't want anyone visiting. Very understandable, poor thing.

    I'd go with as you said, having a nice dinner with your family, before or after Christmas Day, and just take things easy on the day itself. To heck with anyone and what they say.

    Mind yourself.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,224 ✭✭✭zerosugarbuzz


    When your children have flown the nest and particularly when they don't want to come home for Christmas, it time for you to prioritise yourself and your Mam. Spend whatever money would have been spent on your sons gifts, food etc on you and your Mam. Have the best Christmas possible. Order a cooked turkey with all the trimmings from your local hotel, I'm sure they'd appreciate the business. Have the best Christmas ever, just the two of you.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,320 ✭✭✭✭branie2


    No, as I like to be with my family.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 33,776 ✭✭✭✭Princess Consuela Bananahammock


    pinkyeye wrote: »
    I think people maybe misunderstood my original post. My mother is also in Dublin and her house is normally the centre of all the action but obviously this year it simply can't be. She's terrified of getting Covid or getting any infection because if she ends up in hospital she won't have any visitors. She took a bad turn a couple of weeks ago and we thought she would have to go to the hospital or hospice and the terror in her eyes was unreal to see. She just doesn't want to be alone in a hospital or hospice. Don't blame her.

    I know what people are saying, that I should go and have Christmas with her but she doesn't want to choose any of us for Christmas Day and she doesn't want a big crowd. We have asked her what she wants and she simply doesn't want the fuss. One of us will prepare dinner for her and Dad either way and deliver it.

    I agree somewhat that the lads should just get off their arses and come down but they've girlfriends in Dublin too and I just don't want them down on a guilt trip, it wouldn't be any fun, I'd rather just spend the day alone like any other day and have a dinner for everyone a week beforehand or a week after or something.

    Sad times really, if I'm honest I'd rather not celebrate this year whilst Mam is so sick. Then they all say you're being a misery guts feeling sorry for yourself.

    I think you'e putting too much interest in other peoples' wishes, and feck them. You Mum has spoken, she's the one who counts, so be it. Bring the dinner and give her as much or as little time as she wants, and fair play. Get yourself some nice dinner too and and expensive bottle of whatever you like. You deserve it.

    I've thrown Orphan's Chstimas paties for the last few years for people who couldn't get home or didn't have familty, but spent last Chrsitmas alone (alebit with my friend's cat who I agreed to host for a week) and it was nice and peaceful not having to put up with other peoples ****. Recommended.

    Everything I don't like is either woke or fascist - possibly both - pick one.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,324 ✭✭✭JustAThought


    pinkyeye wrote: »
    She has said for years that she would like to go to a hotel for Christmas and Dad never would. Raging now we never forced him to do it .

    Very sorry to hear about your mother OP. What I am doing for my filks this year is getting them a hamper of fancy foods for Christmas - M&S, Donnybrook Fair & to a leaser degree Avoca have them - kind of exotic’s up the day, takes
    the pressure off for cooking and gives it a twinkle it might not otherwise have. Some of these places also will provide the ham and turkey or a side of salmon ... might be an interesting novelty and lot less hassle for your mother/father to ‘cook’.

    I had a (half) Christmas alone once and thou I decided it was going to be ok it really wasn’t. I
    missed the one day a year despite all the shennnigans that goes with it. I’d make
    your sons do an outside the window visit and maybe serve them mince pies out the door and make them watch Mass on the internet ! It is a dY that is supposed to be in some way meaningful & family and not a pissup with mates from dusk to dawn. There is also the Q if other families with older parents will let them visit over/in this year - it might be quite different to what they want or expect too.

    I had an elderly family member in hospital 2 years ago and everybody felt they wouldn’t mind because it was Christmas Day but really they were too busy to bother to visit - I drove over & they were delighted to have someone make a fuss and show they cared even if it was just for an hour. I hate to think what it will be like for
    some in nursing homes this year.

    I’d +1 for getting your sons to man up, make a fuss, buy presents and apprar at the outside of their window for some present unwrapping & family time. If nothing else it will show their grandparents that they care after their years of attention and love and envelopes. I can’t imagine your mother being disappointed that they bothered and stayed in the garden while chatting inside to them on the phone or having the craic yelling in the window! If nothing else it will provide a warm fuzzy glow and something to taLk about!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,152 ✭✭✭Allinall


    I don't have any advice to give.

    However, this thread should be linked over to the Covid threads and made compulsory reading for all the gob****es whinging about not being able to go for pints or buy jumpers.

    It puts things into perspective.

    OP. Whatever you decide, I hope your Mum has a peaceful and stress free Christmas.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,880 ✭✭✭Feisar


    I think you'e putting too much interest in other peoples' wishes, and feck them. You Mum has spoken, she's the one who counts, so be it. Bring the dinner and give her as much or as little time as she wants, and fair play. Get yourself some nice dinner too and and expensive bottle of whatever you like. You deserve it.

    I've thrown Orphan's Chstimas paties for the last few years for people who couldn't get home or didn't have familty, but spent last Chrsitmas alone (alebit with my friend's cat who I agreed to host for a week) and it was nice and peaceful not having to put up with other peoples ****. Recommended.

    The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world and all that.

    First they came for the socialists...



  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    Why not get a fancy Christmas dinner delivered to your parents along with chocolates and wine for Christmas, or a semi-ready Christmas dinner from the likes of M&S and do the same for yourself then zoom or talk to them on Christmas day plus talking about what was in the M&S food hamper would be a conversation the person who is sick might want other things to talk about other that been ill and it would be a little like a hotel experience as its is fancy food cooked by someone else.

    Let your sone do their own thing.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 625 ✭✭✭Jenna James


    fluke wrote: »
    OP go with your gut instinct in what you feel is the best all round course for you, and stick to it.

    I was going to say something similar.

    I really think you should do what feels right in your gut.

    You are absolutely allowed to have a range of high emotions/thoughts at the moment and whatever sits best with you is the right decision IMO.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,293 ✭✭✭pinkyeye


    mariaalice wrote: »
    Why not get a fancy Christmas dinner delivered to your parents along with chocolates and wine for Christmas, or a semi-ready Christmas dinner from the likes of M&S and do the same for yourself then zoom or talk to them on Christmas day plus talking about what was in the M&S food hamper would be a conversation the person who is sick might want other things to talk about other that been ill and it would be a little like a hotel experience as its is fancy food cooked by someone else.

    Let your sone do their own thing.

    It's quite a good idea mariaalice. There was a local place used to deliver the whole shebang, turkey, ham, veg etc. Turkey and Ham cooked, rest of ready to go in the oven/pot but don't know what the story is with them this year with Covid, anyway, Mam and Dad wouldn't even need a turkey crown or ham. She's only eating like a mouse and he doesn't have a huge appetite either.

    To be honest, she will only get up out of bed out of sympathy for him. Currently she only manages 2 hours tops out of bed a day, some days she doesn't get up. Heartbreaking.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,634 ✭✭✭✭Graces7


    pinkyeye wrote: »
    It's quite a good idea mariaalice. There was a local place used to deliver the whole shebang, turkey, ham, veg etc. Turkey and Ham cooked, rest of ready to go in the oven/pot but don't know what the story is with them this year with Covid, anyway, Mam and Dad wouldn't even need a turkey crown or ham. She's only eating like a mouse and he doesn't have a huge appetite either.

    To be honest, she will only get up out of bed out of sympathy for him. Currently she only manages 2 hours tops out of bed a day, some days she doesn't get up. Heartbreaking.

    Do Wiltshire Foods deliver in your area? They do lovely meals and their Christmas goodies look ….. I have friends in the Uk who use the firm all year a couple of times a week . I know they cover a few areas in Ireland now . There will be other firms> NB I am not near eg M and S so maybe they are excellent! Start looking seriously so you can book in time?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,634 ✭✭✭✭Graces7


    pinkyeye wrote: »
    It's quite a good idea mariaalice. There was a local place used to deliver the whole shebang, turkey, ham, veg etc. Turkey and Ham cooked, rest of ready to go in the oven/pot but don't know what the story is with them this year with Covid, anyway, Mam and Dad wouldn't even need a turkey crown or ham. She's only eating like a mouse and he doesn't have a huge appetite either.

    To be honest, she will only get up out of bed out of sympathy for him. Currently she only manages 2 hours tops out of bed a day, some days she doesn't get up. Heartbreaking.


    She knows best.. I only get up for essentials most days now. That way I can enjoy the little I do.


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