Christmas Alone- How do people cope?

Dont_Dis_My_Ability

So we are 5 weeks away from Christmas and at this point any invite would be out of pity. I’m now coming to terms with the fact I’m going to be alone and just want to hear how people cope and stuff. 

Oxonlady

Hi @ Dont _Dis_My_Ability, it's not easy to be alone at Christmas, there's almost a stigma attached to being alone during festive times.

I know I'll be alone, as I'm confined to my
bedroom. 
My Agency Carers can barely cook so there won't be any festive food. 

I don't mind to be honest because for me it's important to celebrate the birth of Jesus with prayers and some carols. That's all, though of course it would be nice to have some company. 
Everyone, including friends and family are busy with their own arrangements and I don't want to be viewed with pity. So I know how you feel. 

My only dilemma is :Should I send presents to people who never even said thank you last Christmas and never came to see me in the last year? 

Cartini

I`m alone nearly every Xmas and it doesn`t bother me in the least.  I`m not in the least bit religious so it means nothing to me, therefore I don`t celebrate Xmas.

Tori_Scope

I spend last Christmas on my own as I was unwell with coronavirus @Dont_Dis_My_Ability. I realise that's a different situation to yours, but it was my first Christmas alone. 

I've written two community posts about this:

• Will you be lonely this Christmas?
• Will you be lonely this Christmas?

Perhaps you'll find some of the tips helpful? 

There are usually some people around to chat to on the community on Christmas day  

OverlyAnxious

I've been alone on Christmas Day for the last 7 years.  I always found social events difficult though, so it didn't bother me much.  

I'm not a fan of Christmas, but in the earlier years I did try to do a more festive dinner and watch some festive TV etc...and be sure to text relatives on the day.

This year will be more difficult though.  My digestive issues have worsened to the point that I won't be able to stray from my standard basic meals.  I'm also not sure whether I'll be able to manage alternative TV viewing without triggering major anxiety (tried to watch a Xmas film on TV last week, bad idea!).  And above all I'm going to have to lie to relatives in thank-you notes to tell them that I'm 'fine' when I'm really not, to save the concern and/or pity from their side.  

In previous years I've gone for a short walk on Xmas afternoon, to get a bit of festive spirit from other peoples decorations, but I don't know whether that'll be manageable this year.

Amazonianup

I just treat it like a normal day and alone. OverlyAnxious when you said about the thank you notes it made me smile because today I had a lady ask me if I was okay and I said yeh. She then said that wasn't very convincing but I said I know she didn't want another answer anyway and I was trying to be polite. I didn't really feel like performing just to make her happy.  When I was rough sleeping I made out I was okay when I wasnt. I can't really be bothered to perform for other people's benefit I just don't a answer anymore. I won't go and tell them I'm unhappy but I refuse to play a happy performance to make others okay with me being how I am.