On spending holidays alone (boyfriend, spouse, couple, neighbor)

[puglywump]

Originally Posted by Rakin

Many times your best friends are better than family, no complaining, borrowing money or screaming kids. Set an extra place at the table for the furry guy who really loves ya.

Exactly. I have a can of Trader Joe's food for the furry kids and I'll be making either my usual Indian curry dish or try a Thai version of it. We'll have our own little Christmas.

Honestly, I was really hesitant to post this thread, thinking people would just confirm my feeling like a loser for being alone. But I am glad I did. I can see that not only am I not the only person alone, but that some actually appreciate being alone. So I will too. Even though times are really bleak, even though I am unemployed, there are still people far worse off and I need to remember that. I do appreciate everyone's posts.

[loveautumn]

I'm glad I ran across this thread too...I've been alone on Christmas for several years now. I used to go visit my brother and family but that's a long story...anyway, the first year I just thought I would not make it through, I was so sad. But I lived! Now, even though it still hurts because the world makes this such a family oriented time of year, I do enjoy just being home, I go to church in the morning, cook a special meal for myself (only make it on Christmas), talk to the family on the phone, take a nap in between watching corny movies on TV, and this year there's a football game on so I'm looking forward to that. I do see my friends before Christmas for special get togethers which I really enjoy and I was invited to spend Christmas day with a friend's in-laws, but I don't feel comfortable with that. Anyway, it's not so bad and at least I don't feel rejected, ignored and unwelcome anymore and I save about $1,000 too

God bless you all and have a peaceful holiday!

[therewego]

Originally Posted by puglywump

Exactly. I have a can of Trader Joe's food for the furry kids and I'll be making either my usual Indian curry dish or try a Thai version of it. We'll have our own little Christmas.

Honestly, I was really hesitant to post this thread, thinking people would just confirm my feeling like a loser for being alone. But I am glad I did. I can see that not only am I not the only person alone, but that some actually appreciate being alone. So I will too. Even though times are really bleak, even though I am unemployed, there are still people far worse off and I need to remember that. I do appreciate everyone's posts.

I see your point...We just moved to where we are and have no family here but ourselves and we are just fine with that. But, I called friends today and 2 of them said, "what are you doing on christmas day?" when I responded with just family time, cooking/eating, snow play, etc. it sounded like they felt sorry for me. We are just fine and if we'd be with family, we'd be going from house to house, dressed up instead of in our shorts, the dog would be all spastic because it is not his house and all that traveling.

I hope you have a lovely christmas and be safe!!!

[GypsySoul22]

I think a lot of people spend it alone or with immediate family/pets. These days jobs don't give you a week off and families (extended) are so far apart, it's hard to get together unless you LIKE flying and being stuck in airports/traffic.

We have family in NY, Florida and England. We just stay here in New England and have Christmas with the three of us and the dog. We used to get together with relatives on Christmas Eve in NY and then spend Christmas the same way (just us).

We find things to do...scrabble, play with our son's gifts, chill out, eat when and what we like...it's laid back.

Happy Christmas to you, and remember there are plenty like you. *and you are not a loser!!

[MagnoliaThunder]

I second the many other responses here ... there are a lot of us who will be alone or not doing the big family celebratory thing...alone time is so precious, so once you let go of your memories of holidays past, or expectations about the perfect holiday, you can just enjoy your day, your pets and the sheer luxury of doing exactly whatever you want to do!
Merry Christmas to you -- you are NOT a loser, just one of many people who will be enjoying their own company this Christmas!

[MagnoliaThunder]

And by the way -- the person(s) who never responded to your invitation? They are rude and thoughtless -- add a resolution to your list: NEVER invite them anywhere for any reason again...you deserve better.

[trishguard]

Originally Posted by puglywump

Anyone else out there? I am not sure where to put this, so I'll put it here. Anyway, I invited someone over for Christmas (either day for a visit - no big deal) and never got a response back to my invitation. So I let it slide. Nothing more has been said about it and I confess I do feel awkward about the whole situation. I don't know whether to just act like I have other plans at this point or just be honest and say I am going to be alone. I guess it doesn't matter either way. I checked into volunteering but there is absolutely no need for my help anywhere.

I did just have a visitor the other day and I guess maybe that was my Christmas. Still, I feel like a loser being alone for the holidays.

If we get snow here, I'll be spending Christmas alone too. I'll probably just watch a movie or two and surf the internet.

[puglywump]

Originally Posted by MagnoliaThunder

And by the way -- the person(s) who never responded to your invitation? They are rude and thoughtless -- add a resolution to your list: NEVER invite them anywhere for any reason again...you deserve better.

Thanks, yes, I do feel awkward about this, especially considering I drove 50 miles across town last night to do this person a big favor and nothing was mentioned at all about Christmas. Oh well, so I did a good deed. So I am just not saying anything at all. Resolution added to my list!

[Curmudgeon]

Originally Posted by therewego

I see your point...We just moved to where we are and have no family here but ourselves and we are just fine with that. But, I called friends today and 2 of them said, "what are you doing on christmas day?" when I responded with just family time, cooking/eating, snow play, etc. it sounded like they felt sorry for me. We are just fine and if we'd be with family, we'd be going from house to house, dressed up instead of in our shorts, the dog would be all spastic because it is not his house and all that traveling.

And I see your point. We recently moved and are 2,000 miles from most family and 700 miles from the closest (son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter) to whom we drove to spend Thanksgiving. Christmas will just be the two of us and the two wacko cats.

Actually, Christmas when all the family was close was a hassle. With seven children and nine grandchildren between us, some of whom wouldn't share space with one another, living in different but nearby cities and towns and all with their own schedules and agendas it was always a chore to try to divide up time and place. A quiet Christmas at home, cooking together and with no demands from others is looking real good.

And Puglywump, you've got Trader Joe's? Now THAT'S something to celebrate. The closest one to us is five hours away!

[sun queen]

I think being alone for Christmas is sad unless u want to be alone. I think the OP should make sure the friend is going to be busy and maybe even impose upon neighbors or extended family if available or maybe as someone has already suggested visiting a nursing home. My Aunt is in a Rehab facility and I will be spending Christmas with her and other patients there. I hope the OP will find someone to share Christmas with.