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Any suggestions or advice for getting through the holidays alone?

Volunteer at the Christmas Dinner. It's a great way to mingle with people and make it a special day for you and them. I have done it a few times and if you are a people person, it makes you feel so good.  
Merry Christmas and hope you have a great holiday. xoxo  

this is one of the reasons Im not a big fan of the "holidays". There is always so much pressure put on everyone. And for some reason ppl without anyone to spend it with are just to be pitied or made to feel poorly about themselves. Well I think not. Seriously, it is just another day. I say just enjoy the break from work. Catch up on unfinished tasks and chores at home. Sleep in, enjoy a hobby. I am a Christian, who believes in the birth of Jesus Christ and all that comes along with it, but even I don't put too much stock into Christmas and all its trappings. I would much rather not even participate. Please don't feel bad about being along at this time of year!

Everything said in the post above!!  

See picture to right. Volunteer or just go down for the meal and people.  

Jaxon is right, there is always way too much pressure put on people at this time of year. Some of us just don't have family around.  
Plan to do things you enjoy, watch a movie you've always wanted to see, go out to a restaurant and treat yourself, go for a drive to look at the Xmas lights, walk in this nice fluffy snow.  
If you're really brave, go to the Boxing Day sales and watch the craziness.  
Have a good one, there are lots of us in the same boat.

I have had some financial trouble this year and not spending as much on Christmas. Is that a horrible thing?

I may have to see if I can help with the dinner. Ah. Life screws you sometimes, I guess. Just gotta take the bad with the good and learn.

I have spent a few Christmases on my own and when I was working I just decided to enjoy the day on my own as a great day off. It is other people who make you feel bad about it if you let them, especially if you live in a small town where everybody knows everyone else’s business. They ask you what you are doing for Christmas and when you say “nothing” you get this pitying “poor you” look and then they go on to tell you their plans. I never let that bother me. It is what it is and today’s life circumstances are so different from years ago. Children and other family members move far from home and with their jobs they just can’t get home for Christmas. The other side of the coin are the ones who have families close by and are expected to attend 2 or more Christmases the same day. That is really tough for those with small kids and it can become really stressful. How do they say no without the guilt feelings and thinking they are letting others down. Maybe I’m wrong but I don’t think Christmas was meant to cause of stress and exhaustion. To Christine1, I was in that same position a few years ago and felt terrible that I just couldn’t afford to spend on gifts and ended up buying a bunch of cheap crap stuff that I knew nobody needed or wanted but felt I had to do buy something and it didn’t make me feel good. I decided then and there, never again. Now I spread my giving throughout the year. I make a list of who I want to give gifts to and if I see something that I know a certain person can use or will like, I buy and give it to that person whenever through the year. Then I check them off the list. I tell them it’s an early Christmas gift and they love it. It sure beats that last minute hassle though it likely wouldn’t be great for the economy if everyone did it. The only ones I buy for now at Christmas are the little ones. So, have a Merry Christmas no matter what your circumstances and please don’t stress about it.

Just what west wind said. It has been years since I have spent Christmas with anyone. Once you learn to get past the pity, it is actually quite nice. I do my gifting throughout the year as well. I also don't think Christmas is supposed to be stressful. No food coma's either. My bank account doesn't go into shock. Not much else to add, be grateful for everything you do have and life is good.

I recently learned that there are 90 seniors in care homes that will not have any visitors over the holidays. (Heard from a staff member, and this number is scattered throughout all of Brandon's seniors residences.) Broke my heart. A group of ladies and I made a few dozen cookie packages for them but I bet they'd love a visit. I know it's not the same as their own family, but it's someone to let them know that they are thought of and not alone.

thelife said "Any suggestions or advice for getting through the holidays alone? "

My hubby is making a big dinner n there is only my family myself, hubby, n our twin sons!  
Please come for the day or dinner. I have spent many Christman alone though I acted strong I was lonely. We can pick you up & drive you home with leftovers  
Please consider it n send me a PM! We would be happy to have you!

That is very kind of you, empathy is not a value all carry and have. You are a good person and a lot of people could learn a thing or two from your kindness.  

A couple years ago the way the calendar sat I had to spend Christmas alone. We planned to wait till the weekend to get together.  
 
So what I did was think about how I normally end up wasting a day away then getting annoyed with myself for not knowing where my whole day went. For me it is video games and Netflix.  
 
I spent the day watching The Walking Dead and when I needed a break I played some video games. Before I knew it it was lunch time, then supper, then bedtime.  
 
I tried to think about how stressed other people may have been that day spending time with family they may not enjoy. Sorry, that is maybe a bit cruel but it helped me get through the day.  
 
In the end the day actually was ok and very relaxing.  
 
Try to find something to keep yourself busy. May I suggest Youtube - that is a good place to get distracted. I spend a lot of time on there when I don't mean to.  
 
Edited by Happy_ Hour, 2015-12-22 07:10:51

Maybe you could check with the Humane Society-they might need dog walkers, animal feeders, etc? (The animals don't take the day off!)  

thelife said "I may have to see if I can help with the dinner. Ah. Life screws you sometimes, I guess. Just gotta take the bad with the good and learn. "

It will lift your spirits...Merry Christmas to you.  

scandal said "I recently learned that there are 90 seniors in care homes that will not have any visitors over the holidays. (Heard from a staff member, and this number is scattered throughout all of Brandon's seniors residences.) Broke my heart. A group of ladies and I made a few dozen cookie packages for them but I bet they'd love a visit. I know it's not the same as their own family, but it's someone to let them know that they are thought of and not alone. "

I think you would have to check this out first with the care home. I don't know if they would let you do this without prior authorization.

That is amazing. You are the kind of person the world needs more of.

Some people thrive on being alone, like me! The loneliness is someone more displaced that craves the social and intimate actions but somehow feels a present void. It's good to be sensitive. Some people genuinely would love a visit or invitation this time of year and some would rather to not partake in festivities and commercialism. The pressures that Jaxon spoke of should not be there. (Obligations to give, etc) and certainly giving in a 'certain season' is overrated. It's a year long deed as "Milky Whey" said.  
 
Let Jesus be King of your heart and lives this season.  
 
Enjoy the Holiday whatever your take is.

I will be spending Xmas eve alone too! But not really. My buddy Captain Morgan is in the kitchen. We will have a nice long chat. Lol

That sounds like a great time. Only I don't drink lol. I'm not alone by choice. I do love Christmas and taking part in everything to do with it. There are just some recent changes in my life that have resulted in me being by myself, unfortunately.

Sorry to hear you're alone on Christmas, that can't be easy. It's hard to be alone on the best of days but the holidays seem to intensify that loneliness feeling. Some of the suggestions on here are great. Volunteering your time for a worthwhile cause will help to fill your heart and give you the opportunity to possibly meet a new friend or two.  
 
Hugs to you...before you know it, Christmas will be over and we can go back to being alone on "normal" days lol.

I will be in town and willing to help those that are alone on Christmas tomorrow by helping at the dinner. I am a musician and willing to volunteer playing my full size keyboard at the dinner if people would like to hear live music. Let me know if my services are needed!

It's just another day. Sleep in relax. Drink beer and play video games all day in your underwear problem solved

I've been alone for Christmas for years now, I'll make my family phone calls but thats about it. Im still planning on cooking myself a Turkey dinner, even though it'll never be as good as mom makes  
 

An interesting article that said people who rushed into a relationship or stayed in a relationship due to the holiday pressure to spend the holidays with someone (special) were extremely unhappy with themselves shortly after. I spend every Christmas Eve alone and I love it. I do whatever I please on whatever timetable I want and I am very satisfied to be self indulgent. If you are lonely, it might be time to step out of your comfort zone and plan ahead for next year. There are people who meet up for Saturday dinners, mixed bowling leagues that always need a spare, volunteer at a bingo there are plenty of folks there. Don't forget to advertise! Tell your friends and family you are looking - but not desperate, blind dates can be a new adventure! Good luck. Merry Christmas.

christine1 said "I have had some financial trouble this year and not spending as much on Christmas. Is that a horrible thing? "

I am sure your family will understand if things are a little difficult, but the thing to remember is this sort of situation is a 2 way street, as they could very well be in the same situation. The main thing to remember at this time of year is it is not about "material things."  
 
Financial hardship can be a tricky thing. Some times it is events beyond our control, other times it can be things as simple as addiction, gambling, job loss, etc. I am in no way judging or assuming, everyone has their issues and skeletons in the closet. The point is to do what is right for you, not for everyone else.

I can pick you up. Send me an inbox message.

What time does the Christmas Dinner start and how long does it last? It isn't listed on the poster that was posted in the pictures section of this discussion.  
 
Thanks.