Alone on Christmas -any ideas?

[Lori63]

I will be alone most of Christmas Day, and am panicking.
Hubby will have the boys most of the afternoon, and while I am glad he is paying them some attention, I am freaking at the thought of being alone.
This is the first Christmas since he left (Just 4 weeks ago), so I am dealing with the deep emotional pain as well as the financial hardship he has caused me.

Anyway, don't want to have a pity party-just any ideas on what I can do?
Usually I'd just be laying around reading and doing crossword puzzles all afternoon then cooking while they all play on the XBox or whatever. Just worried about being depressed.

[cody82414]

can you go volunteer somewhere? soup kitchen, old folks home, etc.

[Jen1]

I was going to say like PP mentioned. Also, what about some close friends?
How about an orphanage - where someone may not get any visitors either?

[IntoTheMystic]

Try to remember that there are people out there far worse off than you are. I know it's hard right now, but keep going back to that idea. You will make it through this. Yes, you will be away from your kids for a few hours, but they will be back. Like the PPs said, you could volunteer somewhere. Or, try to plan something fun for yourself. When I was single (pre-kids), I always went to the movies on holidays. Your kids might sense that you are having difficulty with this, so try to remain upbeat, and tell them about the fun things you are going to do while they are gone- even if that means making it up. Good luck. My heart goes out to you.

[Jen1]

You know what - That movie idea is FANTASTIC! Alot of people actually go to the movies on Christmas Day, beleive it or not.

PLUS you can pick a movie YOU want to see. :)

[motherofmolly]

go make some new friends!

deliver food to shut ins

serve food at a soup kitchen

call a local old folks home/nursing home and see if you can help with something. they will have those that do not leave the building. sing christmas songs, play a christmas game, spend some time talking or watching tv with them.

got any older neighbors? or neighbors that arent doing anything on christmas? check around and see about having a potluck lunch or something.

remember you are not the only person alone on christmas. do not sit alone and feel depressed. make some new friends, spread some joy for the holiday, or enjoy a little time with friends and neighbors.

[blossomed]

Well my jewish friend goes for Chinese and then a movie... You could do that.

Maybe you could find out if anyone is going away for the holidays and you could pet sit (and earn some money!) , then use the money to treat yourself to something.

[3timesoccermom]

Maybe you could think of a project that you've been meaning to tackle but haven't had time to start on. Especially something that ends up bringing some pleasurable results for you.

Maybe spending the day doing things to pamper yourself.

If you garden, maybe you could plant some bulbs or seeds that will bring some beauty, color and cheer in a month or 2? OK, just noted you live in VA, maybe not possible there, but you can plant some bulbs in pots for inside. You can very often find Amaryllis and Paper White Narcissus in very pretty pots on clearance at WM at Christmas.

A workover of your bathroom - new paint or wallpaper, shower curtain or rugs?

These must sound completely lame.

[434Teresa]

For a few years I was in that same boat..my x use to have the boys all day on christmas day, I got them christmas eve.

I just made the day a day for me. Yes sometimes I did go to the movies. I used it as a quit day for me more than anything. I know this sounds hard to beleive but after they are gone with him a few days like this you will get to where you kind of look forward to having the day all to yourself.

My X had the boys every other weekend. At first I was lonely and lost but soon I was looking forward to it even if I did not leave the house.

[Spanelli8706]

When I was alone for the holidays, I went to a homeless shelter and helped serve meals. I used to volunteer to work the holiday shifts at the kennels for the veterinary clinic I worked at. You could volunteer at an animal shelter- walking dogs. Or, if your job is open, volunteer to work. You could save up & go get a pedicure or massage (those are relaxing and time consuming). You could go to the movies. Declutter your house. Finish a craft/project. I think it's a good idea to plan this ahead of time- seems like it will help make the day easier already knowing what you'll be doing. Good luck and hugs!