Christmas by oneself

fun loving criminal

Is there any point in decorating the place for Christmas if you're spending it on your own?

My family are narcissistic and abusive. My boyfriend is spending it with his own family.

I'm ok with Christmas on my own, it's a day to do nothing, watch what I want and I don't have any pressure or hassle of cooking for loads of people.

I'm just a bit meh about a Christmas tree.

Purple Mountain

Why didn't bf invite you to his family?

Jim_Hodge

I had to do it once and didn't bother with a tree. I put out a few favourite and sentimental ornaments along with the crib. You do as you feel best with. Do what suits you. What others do, or would do, is immaterial.

Christmas by one's elf.

SuperBowserWorld

Relax and enjoy the time off.

Play some Xmas music.

Have a nice meal all ready for yourself.

It's one day to forget about all the crap.

cezanne

Xmas alone = BLISS enjoy it and dont bother with the decorations one less chore, but do eat well on the day and maybe a nice bottle of wine !

corner of hells

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058271919/christmas-by-oneself

Maybe try get yourself locked in a Marks and Spencer store on Christmas eve.

Come out on Stephens day , blind drunk , dressed up to the nines.

buried

Sounds mighty. Go for it. Wish I could do it. Be the one day of the year I could sit back and watch every single movie that I wanted to watch for a day, without some fool's arse of a noise article hounding me.

Mad_maxx

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058271919/christmas-by-oneself

Actually opting for no decorations etc sounds quite liberating, it’s a free country

nothing

Gave my tree and remaining decorations to the local charity shop just today. I do most xmas days on my own and the decorating is just a hassle to put up and take back down.

phormium

I wouldn't bother with a tree but I do love fairy lights so would definitely have some of them just for myself!

j2

A cousin of mine had a friend he met in school who spent Christmas alone after a breakup and ended up having some kind of psychotic break. His dad ended up busting in the front door to check on him, fearing the worst. They found him lying on the sitting room floor wearing just a dressing gown and eating his own sh1t. Spent the best part of a year recovering from that episode.

YellowLead

It’s up to you to do whatever you want! Silly to put up decorations if you’re not into it. Personally I love Christmas and Christmas decorations and if spending the day by myself would probably have even more as they just make me happy to look at.

But if you feel meh about it why bother!

standardg60

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119879450#Comment_119879450

My God, a dressing gown? Lock him up.

pgj2015

You should put up Halloween decorations for it. 😉

thomil

I've spent the last five Christmasses alone after my parents passed away. I will hang some lights in the windows and put up some decorations, but I'm definitely not going to bother with a tree. I never have if I'm honest.

sporina

gee sure do what ever you like eh?! and enjoy..

OH likes a tree but if it wer not for him I wouldn't be bothered with it.. (cos the only place where we can put it, its still in the way imo).. I'm happy a lovely poinsettia, a few ornaments, cards and lots of candles.. hmm..

Graces7

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119879700#Comment_119879700

With you... It depends what Christmas means to you.. The Nativity. LIGHTS.... And for Auld Lang Syne, memories of family long gone. The Crib... A small artificial tree as I cannot get anywhere for a real one. An evergreen garland on the gate...A big Star to lead the way up the dark drive... Would love a poinsettia...may have hyacinths in flower... But here I celebrate as I can. with my memories and a quiet joy... Over the decades I have made my own....a connection with loved ones long gone .And seasonal food.... Knowing folk here have their families around them...That gives me such pleasure.. As I do mine in a differenr way. Thank you for this thread as it led me to say this.

Graces7

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119878561#Comment_119878561

LOVE it! And I have occasionally thought along those lines...

pc7

I think do whatever you can to make yourself comfortable and happy FLC, you don't want to be maudlin or dwelling on the sh1tty family, don't let them in or win! Would you like to go with your boyfriend? is it an option? If not, then just decorate as you wish, have some lovely food and treats that you like in and make the most of the down time.

To the poster above and getting locked into M&S that needs to be made into a movie, best christmas ever!! Reminds me of the twitter thread, this is such a lovely read always makes me smile! https://twitter.com/richycraven/status/1332095349176086536?lang=en

Graces7

And I will be here on Christmas Day... how about a joint celebration After Hours style?

corner of hells

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119880161#Comment_119880161

I work every Christmas day , Grace , in homeless residential services .

In the places I work in we always make there are quiet spots with no Christmas tree or decorations because residents have experienced dysfunctional Christmas because of family issues and others have never experienced Christmas at all.

However ,Marks and Spencers does seem a plan.

eviltimeban

Can you have friends (or family you like) over on the days around Christmas? e.g. Eve, or Stephen's, maybe for drinks or even for a meal? In that case you could do decorations and then still have the feeling of a Christmas event taking place. Or the bf could come over one of the evenings and you do a Christmas dinner together.

For me certainly Christmas is more the whole week; the day flies by (and it's hassle for the most part) but the really nice part of it is vegging on the couch for a week and eating and drinking loads. It's nice to have people over on the other days as it's less pressure.

A Christmas scented candle is actually all you need- it will provide a warm comforting feeling (assuming Christmas time is associated with happiness for you) - even if it’s not the aromas of cinnamon, pine etc are lovely.

mumo3

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119880711#Comment_119880711

Great idea..... I would normally spend the evening on twitter using the hash tag #joinin its such a lovely conversation with other people who find themselves alone on Christmas day either by choice or circumstances. If you haven't seen it, keep an eye out this year its just such a nice thread.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119879700#Comment_119879700

me almost double that since my parents died. couple of years had invites but i don't know if people really want you. Sympathy or making themselves feel better. Don't do decorations. No interest in christmas or anyone to buy anything for. prefer to buy stuff i need anyway

Graces7

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119880892#Comment_119880892

Ah that is so lovely! Thank you. I know that here there will be tears at some stage as the day is so emotive. But my faith is strong and it will support, and of course the Nine Lessons and Carols on Christmas Eve...which have been with me for??? Gee is it THAT many years!!!!! I am ancient!

thefallingman

this will be my 17th xmas day on my own, i put up a little fake tree but more for any visitors over december than for me, you have a partner so it's only one day for you so enjoy the peace and quiet.

rolling boh

Do whatever makes you feel like doing Personally I wouldn't bother with a tree but just chill out get in some food you like .I know I am being nosey but is your boyfriend alright with you being alone on the day ?

cj maxx

I’ll be having Christmas by myself. And quite happy about it. Dinner will be a large steak , gravy, mash , sprouts . And since i live by myself its normal. Im not a Christmas fan since i was a child.

Tippman24

I used to go to my sister for my Christmas dinner, but due to Covid two years ago missed that annual treat. Last year was the same. Came to the conclusion that I prefer my own company on Christmas Day so hoping that no invitation is forthcoming. Steak with onions and spuds suits me better anyway. Then the old tradition of "The Blues Brothers" that night. (For the previous few years I formed the impression that my nieces did not want me in the house anyway.) Christmas Day to me is a day to be endured rather than enjoyed.

Ubbquittious

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdLmCqArGr0

(filler)

apache

I'm working Christmas day but should be home by noon. I wasn't going to put up a tree but I'll see how I feel closer to the time.

Graces7

I have more lights coming.. ah and need candles... It is so pitch dark out here than every light shines... One year one of the family up the lane said how lovely the bright Christmas lights from my window were so I make sure they shine now every year. They are generally very taciturn and compliments etc are sparse. And few luxury lights etc

sporina

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119882695#Comment_119882695

lolllll.... thats hilarious

Loughc

Remember you're never alone for Christmas when you have access to boards, there's always a good crew online here on Christmas Day and there's always a good buzz about the place.

Graces7

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119885272#Comment_119885272

Lovely.. Thank you so very much.

pcardin

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119878307#Comment_119878307

This question remains unanswered. My take is, something scandalous happened last Xmas and Op is still banned from visiting them. maybe dancing on the table was involved, maybe even while wearing a dressing gown. Who knows.

Galwayguy35

I'm on my own at christmas and I put up a tree and a candle bridge on the window, it doesn't bother me being on my own but I like having the place lit up with fairy lights.

lucalux

I've spent every christmas alone for about 12 years now, and I don't like it nor celebrate it, so no christmas tree, decorations or christmas food. Plenty of drink and good food, but no turkey or sprouts etc.

I always have fairy lights up all year round, as i dislike bright lights, but that's about it.

I don't feel the need to join in, so if the lights and decorations don't bother you, don't bother I say.

Anyone who judges you for it perhaps being a bit... i don't know, a bit of an arse maybe!

Graces7

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119895102#Comment_119895102

I am the same. The lights are a thing of beauty and colour. A long way from neighbours here and only one window visible, but one told me one year how he enjoyed the lights so they go up early now. A bit of colour in the dark nights...

freshpopcorn

Christmas is a period and more that just one day put up decorations and lights if you like and enjoy them.

noahungry

Honestly, the only thing that matters is how you feel about it. I do love Christmas, I admit, to the point that I wouldn't mind if I had to spend it by myself. I would still decorate the tree and (don't laugh) bake cinnamon cookies (for this year I already found a great yet very simple recipe). The bottom line is, there is a point in doing it if you think you would enjoy it (even if a little bit). 

Graces7

I would dearly love a Nativity Crib for the front garden. Just that. I have outdoor lights that would reach. Nearly the day to "destore" the Christmas boxes too. LOVE it all...

Larbre34

I spend Christmas with a small family group and I enjoy some things about it and not others, I'm sure thats the case for most people.

But really, as a person who needs plenty of time on my own to feel at peace generally, I can see the appeal and the positives of a Christmas Day on my own. Think about it as a mental health day, when all around you are people pretending to enjoy it and mostly ending up rowing with their so-called loved ones!

If the true meaning of Christmas is giving and if I was alone on the day, I think I'd volunteer at a charity lunch or morning run or something to help out a few others less fortunate and have a laugh with other people then return home and make a meal of something I really love and listen to some music and maybe watch a movie. I'd also make a few calls to people I might really miss or haven't had a chance to see in the recent past.

Think of it as a gift, decorate how you want, but indulge yourself too, eat drink and be merry.

whisky_galore

Xmas is for kids (and our corporate overlords who sell us stuff), wouldn't bother my arse with decorations as a grown adult. Smacks of pointless work.

Graces7

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119907295#Comment_119907295

Ah but that moment when you turn the fairy lights on as darkness is falling! Sheer magic! As so much else around Christmas is.. work Nah! Deep pleasure.. There was a year when I left the lights on most of the year... as for alone? My long gone family are all around me in the special meal, the tree, the carols. It is a sharing. A festival of love.

Graces7

tt has begun! The box of lights and decorations has been liberated from under the Kitchen table and is waiting for its starring role...There is a ceremony to all from now on...

ketchupmessi63

Christmas is one of those days we should spend as happy as we can, and sometimes that translates to shielding ourselves from prying eyes and unwanted "advice." Decorating a tree is not a necessity for a good time, especially with how much cleaning work it leads to... So, my 2 cents would be to order some extra cheese and extra large pizza, wear PJs, a Santa cap, fluffy slippers, and have The Lord of the Rings Extended Edition blu-rays at the ready :)

Graces7

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119895365#Comment_119895365

If I said that or anything similar it would just be that I really really want folks to enjoy the season ... and feel sad that you are not participating in some way.... My lights here are as much for passers by as for me...In old days in Ireland there was a custom of putting a red candle in the window at Christmas to let folk know,, BE WELCOME HERE and I still do that. Well it is a set of lights now.. Last year a neighbour told me how he loved seeing those Christmas lights shining here.. Made me so happy did that..Always done this... Will do it this year..

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119895365#Comment_119895365

Few people alone on this thread

Wonder how many in whole country