Christmas by oneself

Graces7

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119927262#Comment_119927262

A shocking number, and mostly those who have lost family. That was me for many many years and it is sheer.... hell... Or seems to be. I used to go for a walk ( in my town life) passing lit up windows where families were gathered happy around the tree.... The loneliness is appalling. And for many years in England i would be invited to the events laid on with so much thought by social services. A gathering of lonely folk! But lovely to have food cooked.. Now I am happy in my solitude. We will get a lovely parcel/box of goodies from a local group! Last year I saw my neighbour's legs walking up my drive topped by a huge box... I have knitted hats for him and his three brothers.. their first Christmas since their mother died so it will be hard ... Now if I could find the two missing boxes of decorations....

In some places there are community Christmas dinners by volunteers in community centres. I think for mental health patients

I am curious how many would go if it was available. I wouldn't. But it's a good idea for those who like it

Not saying people on this thread have mental health issues btw

Spanish Eyes

I often think that many folk who would like to be in a gathering are on their own, and some of those who "gather" would rather be alone!

Once both my parents died, that was it for me. It had lost its magic as my father was great craic at Christmas, and Mother was a panic stricken turkey baster. All and sundry gathered in our house, either for a short visit and onwards elsewhere, or with us for the duration. Great times, but they are no more.

So moved on to make it the way I like it. Other half in the same position parent wise and we just cabbage for the day with eats and drinks, movies etc. No tree but a string of lights on the mantelpiece and windowsill and job done. I find the days after Christmas so grey and boring. Can't go anywhere as it's full of kids (none here so forgive me!), and roads and public transport are full. Shopping is not on the agenda unless it is on the end of the click of a mouse and it is a need not a want.

Roll on the week the kids are back in school. Off to Rome and Ostia Antica when it's quiet and visible without the crowds. Weather not an issue when you have good clothing.

Hope it works out for you all, and as others have said, pop in here on Christmas Day/evening/night for a bit of kindred spirit, I often do.

Graces7

webbles.. I used to go to those in Cornwall; for lonely as well as unwell folk...Good gatherings and kind volunteers and oceans of food.... All donated.. Not like family but in many ways better than alone!. If kindness is offered ? Thank it by taking it...

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119927444#Comment_119927444

Not like family but in many ways better than alone!

for some maybe, wouldn't be my idea

Graces7

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119927419#Comment_119927419

See you then! Thank you!

Divorced, cremated my father this week and being made redundant next week. Christmas will be alone and without decorations. Will probably microwave freezer leftovers and binge crap on YouTube/android box like I do every other day. Ho ho ho!

Count Dracula

I always love Christmas, I really enjoy the long nights and lack of daylight. I usually spend most of the Solstice feasting on young Irish virgins, they taste so good. I attend a fantastic Bat orgy on Christmas eve that lasts until Dawn when I fly home. I always take the opportunity to help Santy drop off a few of his gifts for the liddle kiddies, while they sleep restlessly with dreams of all the shight their parents have bought them with their hard earned moola.

Once it hits sundown on Christmas night I leap out of my coffin and spend the entire night watching you tube clips of sunrises, it is so exciting. Some of the Vamps might call over to keep me company, if I am in the mood.

I drink a bottle of Drambuie. All of it.

Graces7

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119927584#Comment_119927584

((((HUGS ))))

Graces7

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119927510#Comment_119927510

Nor mine by choice originally..... but when folk have the kindness and generosity to devote their Christmas day.... I can thank them sincerely by being there... and sometimes made a new friend.. and the food was always really great.

Out here they do a Christmas dinner and we old wans have the choice of eating at home or they will deliver.. and it is a really grand meal... Home cooked. I am alone every day almost so this is grand .

Forgot to say i get one card every year and send one back. The box of cards i have is over ten years old. Maybe I should get a tiny tree with one bulb and put up one piece of holly....

well i got an invite from a beautiful single lady and her family but turned it down.I turned it down because last year she had a boyfriend and did not want to know me. This year i am seemingly her sympathy project. There is no way she wants me romantically so i do not want to be her sympathy project/friend to cry on shoulder or "be friends"

If next year she has a new beau she won't want me pulling her crackers. That is what i meant earlier when i said you do not know why people ask you

Do people think I am wrong to turn it down? I am curious

Graces7

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119972150#Comment_119972150

Why not just enjoy the time? Friendship is precious. And it was only a day ?

Every point in decorating the place for oneself. Also I will be having some visitors over the season, but even if I weren’t I still decorate 🤗

BeerWolf

Have the radio tuned to Xmas FM.

Sorted.

SCOOP 64

That's a very nice set up Vienna Rich Mayonnaise, especially that tree.

Star Bingo

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

Sure stick em up… punk?

apache

I might just put a tree up tomorrow. I wasn't gonna bother but **** it.

Feisar

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119973667#Comment_119973667

Friendship is precious however what the poster was talking about did not sound like it.

trashcan

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119927588#Comment_119927588

Ah here. Feasting on young virgins is one thing, but Drambuie ? That’s just crossing the line !

lucalux

Got asked twice in the past two days by neighbours, "Why haven't you put your decorations up yet?"

Wanted to tell them to mind their own business, but I'd look like a full Grinch. I just laughed it off and said yeah, it's getting very close to the big day.

Nosy so-and-sos.

Graces7

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120002808#Comment_120002808

Yes there were overtones and ...undertones... but sometimes reducing to a simpler level... We are complex beings

SuperBowserWorld

We have the tree up and some Xmas cards. But no other decorations. That's enough.

We will put up a crib too..because it's Christmas time. It's my two fingers to consumerism.

👍

Cup

That’s amazing @[Deleted User] ! I love the crib especially, but it’s all really lovely.

Graces7

All quietly Christmas here. I will see my good neighbour the ferryman when he drops the turkey etc in and a good chat at the gate.

Then a gentle traditonal Christmas. Never truly alone. We carry those we love and those we loved along th eway of our lives, in our hearts. In our memories.

As always I will be offline this week... Happy Christmas to all! Blessings and peace

Strumms

lots of people are not only alone for Christmas but often stuck for work hundreds of if not thousands of miles away from home, that must suck…. examples are people who work in travel industry / airlines etc….

all they have is their hotel room, TV, iPad.. bar / restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner…and the streets for a walk.

must be weird being waited on and served by staff knowing they are only there and away from loved ones because you have to be too.

cj maxx

A couple of years ago we went to Tenerife for Christmas . It was great and the childer had a great time.