There is no way around it … Christmas is a family time. Which means for separated families, someone is going to miss out and you might find yourself alone on Christmas Day.
For most single mums this can be a really difficult time. After all, what is Christmas without the magic of enjoying it with our children? Rather than a day of fun and festivities, it may seem more like an endurance test.
But ban those visions of yourself sitting alone with a turkey meal for one and only the cat for company. Here are 12 things to do if you are alone on Christmas Day.
12 THINGS TO DO IF YOU ARE ALONE ON CHRISTMAS DAY
VOLUNTEERING
Volunteering is one of the best ways to spend a kid-free Christmas day. You get to help people in need, but you also have company and distraction. It’s a win/win. There are lots of charities looking for support. Try GVI as a starting point.
DO NOTHING
Think of the other 364 days of the year when you’ve wished you could just do nothing all day. Well, today you can. Have a Netflix binge, curl up with your favourite book. Block out the world and do F-all.
ACCEPT A CHRISTMAS DAY INVITE
Don’t be afraid to accept invites to your family and/or friends celebrations. You might worry that it will make you miss your children more, but it’ll get you in the festive spirit. And just think, you can sit back with your glass of bubbles while they all run-ragged after their kids.
STROLL THROUGH A GHOST TOWN
Going for walk on Christmas Day can be quite magical. Avoid the more obvious Christmas Day routes and head somewhere different. Town centres and shopping areas are eerily quiet on the 25th December and make for a peaceful and unusual stroll.
ARE YOU KID-FREE ON CHRISTMAS DAY?
PLAN YOUR CHRISTMAS
If you are really worried about how the day is going to pan out or you’re feeling emotional, then make a plan. Even jot down a small itinerary. This will be your guide to ensure you are occupied all-day, instead of pining for your kids or cursing your ex for having them this year.
LIE IN
Why wouldn’t you? You have been fantasising about one all year. What better gift can you give yourself?
PLANT SOME SEEDS
Gardening not only gets you out of the house, but it is super therapeutic. Before the big day, buy some seeds or seedlings and spend a merry few hours planting them out. They will grow and flourish throughout the year, along-side you and your family.
FIND A COMMUNITY EVENT
If you feel up for something different and would like to meet new people, Christmas is the perfect time. There are lots of community events happening all over the country. Head online and try My Community Diary or search on Google. It could be the beginning of some beautiful friendships.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE ALONE ON CHRISTMAS DAY (CONT.)
GO TO THE GYM
Yep, some gyms are open on Christmas Day. Even if you’re not a member, pop along before-hand and ask if you can get a guest pass for the day. You’ll emerge refreshed and energized whilst the rest of the nation hits a wall from daytime drinking and too much food.
TREAT YOURSELF
Just because you’re alone, doesn’t mean it isn’t Christmas Day, and you deserve a treat. Think about what the ideal Christmas Day spent alone is to you and make that happen. What are you favourite foods and self-care rituals? Write a wish list for the Boxing Day sales. Do whatever you feel like, minus the guilt this Christmas.
GET ORGANISED FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS DAY
If you don’t have your kids today, you will likely have them on Boxing Day or another day, which will be your Christmas Day. So why not spend the time you have alone to get organised? Do some Christmas baking, wrap last-minute presents and look forward to doing all the Christmasy things you are missing out on.
CHECK OUT THE CELEBRATIONS
As long as it won’t make you feel lonely, drive or walk to a local area where the Christmas celebrations will be in full swing. Just being in the vicinity of revellers can give you a festive-feeling.
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Lucy Good
Lucy is the Founder of Beanstalk Single Mums and sits at the centre of the think-tank of modern-day single motherhood. She is also the author of the popular "You've Got This" Single Mum eCourse, downloaded and loved by 1000's of single mums across the globe.
