Only 87 days to go, and what shall I do when it gets here!
If you’ve seen my posts last year, you will know that instead of dreading Xmas alone, without my wife Penny,I decided to use it to celebrate the 49 Xmasses we spent together.
Last year I went for a nice trek into the local Peak District, talking to her all the time I was there, followed by popping in to one of the country pubs. This turned out to be a lovely day, except that the pub was only doing pre-booked Xmas dinners only, so I had a bag of crisps.
What shall I do this Xmas?
I’ve asked people again not to invite me for dinner, because Penny won’t be there and I’ll miss her.
I’ve already decided that, whatever I do, I’ll be back home for an Indian Banquet, I’ve never done that before!!
The morning might turn out to be another trek, but I’d like to have ideas for something totally different!!
I’ll probably be laid out asleep on the settee for the afternoon.
So any ideas welcome!
N died 3 days before Christmas, so technically I’ve had my ‘first Christmas’ but that time was such a blur.
I considered keeping to myself this year, but my brother and his family are visiting my mum, so I’m going to invite them all for Christmas day lunch.
It’ll be chaos, but better than the alternative…
N and I said a few times that we’d volunteer with a local charity to help cook and serve a Christmas lunch… maybe you could do that?
Or just go away @tykey. I go away for the whole Christmas week, usually to a holiday cottage in West Wales. Walks along the coastal path are quite exhilarating at that time of year and the solitude can be liberating. Just me and my man in my heart. 
@Crazy_Kate . That’s a great idea!. I’ve just come back from a lovely 4 day break in a very quiet (if I ignore the sheep!) shepherds hut in Anglesey. The dogs love the beaches, and care even less than me about Xmas. I just sit, drinking ouzo, or the local beer made out of seaweed, reading, and playing my flute to the sheep.That would be a good option!
PS I love your avatar of my hero, Pooh! I often turn to him and Piglet for guidance if I get a bit wound up! Ho Hum!!!
PPS I must buy some more hunny!
A bear of ‘very little brain’ but both Pooh and Piglet often say the best words.
I’m a fan too @tykey 
There’s nothing quite like a good Pooh quote.
If ever there is a tomorrow when we’re not together, there is something you must always remember: You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think.
My husband bought me a plaque with those words - it’s almost like he knew what was coming…
I’ve done one Christmas, too, which was made just-about bearable because the neighbours invited me over. This year I just want to spend it alone with a book, pizza, and absolutely no tv or radio on to remind me what day it is.
Can thoroughly recommend West Wales, but bring your wellies!
Oh, I meant to say, I was in Anglesey at the beginning of the month. Walked up Holy Mountain and the coast path to South Stack, amongst other places. Fabulous! My husband hated walking, he much preferred cycling.
Yes @Catrin1, I needed my wellies last year but the wet weather didn’t stop me getting out. Last year I stayed in Aberporth. This year I’m staying in Tresaith.
A lovely place, Tresaith. Especially the waterfall.
Goodness. Aberporth is just down the road!
I tend to focus on the area between Aberystwyth and Cardigan.
That’s where I live!
It is. A bit tough in winter, but I love it.
My 4 kids were all home this weekend as it was my daughter and my birthday and we sat and had a conversation about what to do at Xmas.
We have decided home is too hard - so are going to go up north and stay in our holiday home which we bought just before my husband was diagnosed ( meant to be for our retirement in a few years time )
We will see how it goes, walk the dog, likely all be sad at some point, ( or all day) but be together for each other - which is what he would have wanted. My 16 year old is stating to panic about it already and I worry how to keep her ok with all the Xmas hype that we have to deal with each year.
We don’t want to see anyone else - so my job will be trying to fend off the family members who will pitch up on the doorstep even when we say not to.
New year will also be hard. We always had a Hogmanay party with friends and family, so I have booked for us to go away somewhere new, but where we can be involved in lots of activities if we feel up to it as I don’t want us to mope unnecessarily.
Have no idea if these plans will be a good idea, but feel having a plan is better than none. I just hope people will respect our wish to be alone as a family, as we just all can’t face seeing others happy and cheerful when we just will be trying to get through the days. I hope next year will be easier.
This is my second Christmas on my own mum passed away in march the last of my family
Last year I volunteered in a care home I’m a volunteer though the year as a telephone befriender it got me out of the house but to be honest my heart wasn’t in it IV always be brought up to put other people first and you’ll get it back twelve fold but it doesn’t happen people take but when you need them they disappear no one will ever love you like you mum and family I used to love it coming up-to Christmas my birthday is right in the middle of Christmas and new year 28th December i spent Christmas birthday New year and the days in between with mum and saw her every day, so me too don’t know what I’m going to do this year want to do something for me for a change,all the shops are full already of Christmas decorations and my anxiety rising all ready I would say give volunteering a go it may work for you
Best wishes and hope you find peace at Christmas time…god bless x
This will be my 1st xmas without him,i dont want guests i dont want to celebrate,its not just xmas day itll be his birthday,and hes not here,im an emotional wreck right now im dreading it,im not cooking a dinner i dont see the point,ive turned down invites,i dont want spoil it for others,im best on me own,i muss him so much its heen 6 mths and i still cant get me head round it,im not sleeping good,my minds on the go all the time,it wont shut down,wen i can nod off its nightmares,