Flying solo this Christmas?

[NikNik]

Hi everyone,

A new blog posted on the SANE website got me thinking; If we are spending Christmas alone, do we necessarily have to be lonely?

 There are some practical ways to make the most of flying solo for Christmas:

• Plan a Christmas meal (or join us for a virtual meal at Friday Feast)
• Dedicate a day to yourself –  indulge movies, podcasts or books you’ve wanted to watch, listen to or read – things you’ve been ‘meaning to do’ for yourself for awhile and just never got to
• Drive somewhere you haven’t explored before – maybe even do a road trip

 For those who are concerned they might feel lonely at Christmas time, check out the latest SANE Blog and don’t forget to join us for a special Christmas dinner edition of Friday Feast !

Being alone at Christmas doesn’t mean you have to feel lonely!

How are you feeling about Christmas? For those flying solo (or who have done so in the past) any tips you'd like to share?

[Appleblossom]

For a few years, when my family of origin wasnt stable enough to give support, I started to plan for christmas away on a holiday... it is amazing how many other non christmas hype people you can meet that way.

And all of the above ideas are great ways to distract.  Planning does help.

I am upset I wont see my daughter but also stoic and resigned to it and more determined not to let her immaturity get to me.  I love her and thats that.  I also care for my son and for me.

I have done heaps of the social christmas and giving to the poor stuff as a volunteer ... lately I prefer just to be at home and quiet.  It seems my friend keeps inviting me for Boxing Day lunch and that helps.

[sunny1]

great post i'm taking myself away on a quick holiday can i join your virtual Friday Feast

[Neb]

This will be the case sort of for me. I have just had mum visit for a week, which was lovely although I cried a lot.....why I have no idea! Mum is getting old and had a rotten cold but it was still great to see her. 

I hope to fly to Brissie when it is realitively cool in May next year....will see the family I hope. 

Christmas Eve is very special for me, with carols and rosary, followed by a Missa Cantata and the church packed, and glorious with candles galore, flowers and all the congregation dressed to the nines. 

I will visit a family with lots of kids and spend time with them. I will then go on to a Christmas dinner with some other single people, a first for me.

[Terry]

Hi Appleblossom and all, i will try to be less belligerant today.  Yes, christmas is a difficult time.  I make it up as I go along, pray on it and try to have fun and have at least one or two things organised.  I actually try not to think about it too much in the run-up to christmas and if there's any family members i'm not getting on with i make an appt to see them BEFORE christmas rather than on the day.  and i often spend the actual day at a mental health drop-in centre with peers.  There is always a way to enjoy christmas.  Get on the phone to lifeline (131114) if you're doing it too tough.  Do get down to your local salvo's or mental health drop-in centre for some cameraderie.  Lots of kind support workers and volunteers are trying to make christmas good for us.  Be well, everyone, god bless and merry christmas.

[Appleblossom]

Glad to hear from you @Terry.

You have lots of good approaches to the silly season.

Most people get a bit antsy from time to time. At times it is hard to admit it .. and/or to let it go.

So congrats to you .. I thought most of your other posts had merit too... but I am biased ...

[Yvette_D]

The times when I have been away from my family to cope with being solo, I opened up my home to all the friends and friends of friends around me who were in the same circumstances.  I hosted "waifs and strays" christmas dinners, which meant that not only was I not alone, but a whole pile of people in the same situation weren't either.

You can't expect that someone else be responsible for making sure you aren't lonely.

Yvette

ps. I can recommend becoming a couch surfing host as a great way to meet interesting people from all over the world and in the local community too!

[CherryBomb]

Hi @Yvette_D

Welcome to the Forums! I love your idea about putting on something for 'waifs' and 'strays'. I think it's great, because as you mentioned that you not only get to be with others, but you also get to give to others. Random acts of kindness, I think go a long way for both ourselves or others. 

On that point, a random act of kindness may not mean hosting something, it could also be doing something  kind for other throughout this time. It could be smiling at a stranger, offering your seat to someone on public transport, helping someone cross the road. 

Many people at this time of year feel stressed so offering hand can help boost spirits. 

[Blondie]

Jumping on my bicycle and doing around 78 klm. Ahhh that ill blow the cobwebs away.

[Joanne]

You're so right. I have spent many years on my own at Christmas and at first it was very painful, but now I actively get organised. Today I am waiting for Hillsong Church service to start. I'm helping a disabled person out after and then I am going to visit a beloved pet and eat loads of yummy things!!!!
I grew up with a violent Christmas past, so its a tough time but instead of dwelling on it I say skies the limit on what I choose to do.
Blessings to everyone. Just know that at this very moment I am sitting not knowing anyone at Hillsong but you should feel the excitement in the room. Phew, so cool x