Anonymous wrote:As an adult only child, I cannot imagine leaving my widowed, divorced, whatever, only parent alone for Christmas. Invite them to go with you! Jeez, it's not that hard.

This is what I would do too. Lord. And if mom or dad declines, then at lease i don't feel bad.

Anonymous wrote:OP, are your kids and their kids generally around other than the holidays? In other words, do they live near you and do you see them regularly? If that’s the case, and I hope it is, then you’re better off than a lot of people. I hope you know that.

Why can't people like you let people be sad/mad/upset/whatever without pointing out that "someone has it worse"??? Yes, there is always someone worse. That does not make the OPs feelings less valid.

As an adult only child, I cannot imagine leaving my widowed, divorced, whatever, only parent alone for Christmas. Invite them to go with you! Jeez, it's not that hard.

Anonymous wrote:This so weird. It’s Dec. 11 and nothing is up. Well, I just put up the tree and strung lights on it but I can’t get motivated to trim it or decorate besides.

Also, I will be alone on Christmas and for a couple of days around before and after.

I am not sad, just discombobulated. Trying to find the spirit, though, and it’s not coming to me.

Merry Christmas!!

Do you have any friend who are flying solo or any non-Christian friends? Otherwise, miniseries you love, Chinese food, delicious treats, indulge with bubble bath and cozy pjs. On Christmas Day you could walk along the water somewhere or go for a drive. You could spend the day baking and cooking in advance of your guests, listening to your favorite music and podcasts. Don’t spend time looking down memory lane this year. Let us know what you decide to do, OP.

Anonymous wrote:This so weird. It’s Dec. 11 and nothing is up. Well, I just put up the tree and strung lights on it but I can’t get motivated to trim it or decorate besides.

Also, I will be alone on Christmas and for a couple of days around before and after.

I am not sad, just discombobulated. Trying to find the spirit, though, and it’s not coming to me.

LOL. I feel you OP. We have no lights, no decorations, no nothing. We've been done with xmas for years after kids grew up/moved out. Simple is better, no hassles.

Explore Korean or Turkish dramas, some are mind boggling good and so different from regular stuff.

Push your thoughts to when they do come and make that your Christmas Day. I like the idea of tackling a project beforehand. Maybe do some baking to have lots of goodies on hand when they come. Even f that's not usually your "thing," it's festive and makes the house smell good. If you are involved in a church, volunteer to help as much as possible and give others the extra time.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, are your kids and their kids generally around other than the holidays? In other words, do they live near you and do you see them regularly? If that’s the case, and I hope it is, then you’re better off than a lot of people. I hope you know that.

Oh, yeah, I know that. I see them pretty regularly. I didn't mean to give the impression I was depressed or anything. It's just a new experience to be alone on Christmas proper and I'm contemplating what to do differently. I'll figure it out.

Ok, great. Yea you don’t sound depressed or sad about it at all, and that’s good. I get it. I asked the question because that’s the boat that we’re in. All of the kids and grandkids are around here and we feel bad for all the in laws because we see them all more than they do. So when we’re left alone for a holiday we don’t fret. Of course there are two of us, so that’s not the same thing. But still.

Grab some Chinese food and see a movie, like you said. It works for the Jews!