[Closed] Anyone else likely to spend Christmas day alone?

I won't be but part of me is a little jealous.

I'd do a long road ride taking advantage of the empty road. It's likely incorporate a pub that is open for a few hours where I'd have a beer in front of a log fire. Then I'd go home, cook myself something nice and get rid of a good bottle of Port. It'd be awesome.

That geezer in the John Lewis ad.

Out of choice I'll be on my own while my wife going back to Ireland to visit her parents.
Looking forward to a week alone to bike, eat, drink, bike, build Lego ,watch crap on to, eat, bike ..... You get the idea.

my mate split up with his mrs and shes having their kids over the festive period so hes booked south africa for the test match flying out xmas day! fair do's

I've done this in the past when MrsBouy wanted to go to her parents and I didn't. TBH I relish these quiet moments, nothing better than a blast on the bike or sailing on my own then pigging out in front of the TV watching the Grinch Film 😀

Do it, it's Ace.

Me - last year had the day out on the bike - thought I was getting pulled at one point but got a thumbs up and a gesture to "crack on" 😆
Spent the evening at a friends after an out of the blue text - open fire, tunes and a bloody good wine.

This year - who knows! Can pop in to do stockings with the kids if I want to then will see what the weather is doing and go from there.

I'm not planning to but there's still time.

Can you work? Often some good overtime/rates on offer and you can get something good as a result...

I spent the morning riding last year and got over 50 road miles in .Ok not alone all day as I rode to my girlfriends but it was great waking up in an empty house with no xmas stuff round at all .This year we will do parkrun then tandem to the pub

allthepies - Member

That geezer in the John Lewis ad.

I recommend against spending the day looking at little girls through your telescope though

I wish I could.

I have never been alone on Christmas day,and I never want to be,it wouldn't feel right.
There are more than enough days in the year to be doing stuff on my own away from my family.

[i]BTW I hate that John lewis ad[/i]

Did it once, had to tell well meaning relatives and friends that I was with one or the other to stop an intervention. People will be aghast if you tell them, don't.

It was absolutely fantastic. Bike ride in the morning, really crisp day, came back, audiobook on, cooked myself a lovely dinner and settled in front of Bond/Wallace & Grommit/generic nonsense the telly with a bottle.

Did help that it was in a remote house with no one around and no broadband or phone reception.

I do this sometimes when stuck in the UK for the festive season - it's ace, but not easy to get away with. I have found the trick is to respond to every invite - "thanks ever so for your lovely invitation and I would love to come but I have already accepted an invite to XX for the day".

If it's a nice day, it's a brilliant day to go for a road ride, there is almost zero traffic.

A few times I have organised an "orphans Christmas" which is when you do have company, but don't spend the day being polite to other peoples relatives and wanting to slap their children. So anybody who is a parent or a child is banned, essentially. Bah humbug etc.

Great day for driving to anywhere as there are zero lorries on the mway and virtually no cars.

It could happen this year but have some single non family orientated non religious friends so the plan is to have a mid summer lunch/dinner party. Best of both worlds get a ride in and a good old knees up

"A few times I have organised an "orphans Christmas" which is when you do have company, but don't spend the day being polite to other peoples relatives and wanting to slap their children. [b]So anybody who is a[/b] parent or a [b]child is banned [/b], essentially. Bah humbug etc."

Everyone's somebody's child Shirley?

We've had a couple of Christmases where we've told the family that we're both working (you can get away with it when you're both junior doctors) then got nicely pissed in front of the TV whilst eating "trimmings" (ie stuffing, sausages, etc) without the horrible turkey. And we invited all of our friends who were working and couldn't get home to their families to join us at any point when their shift finished, so we had people dropping in from 9am when the night shift finished, to 11pm when the people on long days finally finished.

I wish I could.

this.

I did one year, went out on the bike, on deserted trails, spent the rest of the day eating and relaxing in front of the TV.

It was quite nice not to have any obligations.

Would be great,conditions permitted up at stupid o'clock,down to beach for a goodold surf.

I did one year, went out on the bike, on deserted trails, spent the rest of the day eating and relaxing in front of the TV.

then got nicely pissed in front of the TV whilst eating "trimmings" (ie stuffing, sausages, etc) without the horrible turkey.

Possibly me this year. My lass is a nurse and isnt sure if shes working christmas day or not yet.
Dont mind though. Did it a couple of years back. Had pizza for lunch and a bottle of red. Lovely 😀

Married with two little kids means I can't, and wouldn't want to at the moment.

If things were different it would be pretty nice to try it though..

I have never been alone on Christmas day,and I never want to be,it wouldn't feel right.
There are more than enough days in the year to be doing stuff on my own away from my family.

It's not always through choice of course, and there are also enough days throughout the year to spend with family - it doesn't have to wait until Christmas.

I'd rather not, but I think I can cope with my own company well enough to have an enjoyable day. Nice long cycle sounds good, decent food and a couple of films. It is a day just like any other after all - nothing too special about it for most people, other that the opportunity to spend time with family, so if you can do that the week after or something, then it doesn't really matter.

Go with Lunge's suggestion - it's wonderfully self indulgent but the roads being empty is a bit of a myth unless you hit them early. Trails are probably even more likely to have folk on them.

I've spent a fair few xmas days alone due to my partner spending it with family and it's always been an excellent day. Get out, get back, get drunk/high and kick back.

Get fat.

For me - it's the whole "you have to because....." bollocks - hate hate hate hate hate ad finitum.
If I want to buy someone a present, spent shite loads of cash on food, etc - I'll just throw a party, take them shopping, go for a good meal.
But doing because it Xmas, because its whatever b***sh** reason - they can **** off and end up with a more grumpy than usual Hammy who absolutely will not be doing what he "should" "must" etc.

The only thing about going for a ride on Christmas morning is that I imagine anyone who sees me is thinking "somebody got a bike for Christmas!".

I've spent the last 7 Christmas mornings on my own and love it. Yes it would be nice to spend the day with the future Mrs rogg and all of our kids, but blended-family logistics have prevented it so far. My two kids get dropped off in time for me to serve Christmas dinner at 1.30'ish and the peace is shattered...

Won't be pulling crackers then Hammy? Jeez.

Binned off Christmas one year when I just couldn't be arsed with it. It was awesome. Everyone thought I was being a bit odd/grinchy but it was like some massive weight was lifted. Went for an ace ride in the morning, lots of cheerful waving from at/from families out for Chrimbo walks, then home to cook Christmas dinner for one. Repeated on Boxing day rather than go to GF's parents and spend all day sat on sofa watching crap telly. Bought everyone's presents on the cheap in the sales in between Christmas & New Year 🙂

I did a fortnights overtime a few years ago instead of the company xmas shut down, worked 10-12 hours days every day except xmas, boxing day and new years day. Netted me about 2000 quid (about 2 months take home pay!) spent christmas day doing a big loop in the peaks, then home for masses of food, few beers and a box set of some description (xmas telly is shit!) did similar on the road bike on boxing day.

New years day was spent in bed, hung over.

Being single, a far simpler life.

Can't even remember what i spent the 2k on.
Probably bike parts.

wrecker - Member
Won't be pulling crackers then Hammy? Jeez.

Define "crackers " Wrecker 8)

Did a couple many years ago, when I was single for a couple of years.
I took the dog for a very long walk over Cannock on one, Xmas dinner was Lemon Curd sandwiches in a nice sunny spot.
It was posh Lemon Curd though.

No such luck.

This place has reached a new low:

Northwind - Member
allthepies - Member
That geezer in the John Lewis ad.

I recommend against spending the day looking at little girls through your telescope though

POSTED 1 HOUR AGO #
bigyinn - Member
I wish I could.

I've spent 6 out the last 7 alone (through choice).

Despite the big bushy white beard, I'm not a fan.

after reading this, I've decided to take a bike with me to the in-laws. Great idea.

Christmas is just a day, but It actually feels different for me, it feels like a special day where the majority of the country stops and just get's together with family/friends and forgets about all the shit that goes on throughout the year and focuses on each other.

I feel a bit sorry for people like Hammy who seem to get a bit angry about Christmas and the general approach to the day.

Also nice to get groups of people together who ordinarily struggle at other times of the year.

Yep, I quite like my people* and the festivities.

* Not so keen on spending time with the in laws though 🙂

No idea. Not been invited anywhere.
Might do some dog sitting.

Actually, last year my son stayed Christmas Eve and I dropped him to his mum on Christmas Day. Be nice to do that again, must arrange. But then, when he's gone...

*is sad*

Got my two boys Xmas eve, take em to their mum late morning, then do whatever I want for two days... usually involves riding my bike to folks houses for a snifter...

I always redecorate at christmas, as i can spend the whole 24hrs painting and poking the bits of walls and flooring my cats and snakes had decided to trash.
I'm not a christmas person, the event or day means nothing to me, but i wont stop other people doing what they wish (as long as it doesn't involve me) i also don't do gifts, cards or decorations but that's my choice.

Ive got a three invites for Christmas day, but at the moment I'm not sure I want to accept any of them.

Last Christmas Mrs mw was in a medically induced coma, she died 3 weeks later. So for me Christmas is associated with the utter devastation of losing someone I loved. The idea of putting on a brave face and going along with the merriment isn't something that I'm sure I want to put myself through.

I do most years (last year was the exception) as family live so far away that I'd have to stay there for days. And there's a limit to the amount of hours I can put up with all the Christmas bickering.

Normally I start the day off as healthy me, Parkrunning or biking. Then by afternoon I become slob me, sat in front of the TV with a good bottle of whisky, a meal of what I want to eat, mince pies and a pack of fags. Looking forward to it.

Everybody who IS a child a banned. The cut-off is down to judgement. I know some teenagers in the 40s.

Hammy UK - you are invited. So is Muppetwrangler. It will be awesome and stoked.

So are you greatpotato - Christmas fags ? That's the spirit buddy.

Luckily the step kids are refusing to come to ours as we are not doing a traditional xmas like their gran did .It`s a run a bike ride followed by the pub ,steak and chips and whisky .If they came they would cause a fight anyway

Xmas in the UK is too much, too pressurised. Other countries do better, I've had 2 in Oz, one in Canada and 3 in the US.

Every thing shuts, people shut the doors, then have disappointing presents, followed by disappointing food, followed by disappointing TV.

Last year after a relationship crashed and burned, I ended up with relatives at a slightly tense xmas lunch. Felt a twit.

Now I am with someone wonderful, and all of our kids will be off with the ex spouses, so we will have a long walk and a restaurant meal, and tell the rest of the world to eff off 🙂

Had I not met her, I'd definitely hide in my cave this xmas.

Have done a few, best two spent a couple of hours surfing at the 'cawl. really nice vibe just two in the water and getting out just as the Christmas dip went in. Walked the dog and then chilled out, a lovely calm relaxing day.

This time I will be driving to the Lakes to see really dear friends so this will be good as well.

id love to do a xmas day ride but i also wouldn't want to miss any of the nippers day either... before they came along me and my dad used to go play squash on xmas morning, just to 'get out of the way' while the women were busy cleaning and fisting turkeys etc.

Well, there'll just be me on my snowboard most of the day if that's any help?

Muppetwrangler - I am so sorry.
You must just do what you want to get yourself through this difficult time.

Nbt and myself will be in Cumbria as usual without family and friends, although they are welcome to pop round if nearby.

I had a great xmas dinner with family at a restaurant once, at Lake Taupo, a resorty type place in Enzed.

Was full of Japanese tourists who were just loving all the xmas shite, crackers and hats and puddings and singing all the songs. Getting their picture on Santa's knee.

Go with Lunge's suggestion - it's wonderfully self indulgent but the roads being empty is a bit of a myth unless you hit them early.

Yeah, riding on Xmas day always sounds idyllic. The reality is that from late morning onwards almost every other driver seems to have drunk slightly too much or is impatient to get home and start drinking too much.

thankfully not.

A tough year and grateful to be able to spend it with immediate family. Life is short and kids grow up quick, at the same time aged parents get more aged.....

enjoy it while you can IMO

Ooh sbob... and why?
We are dining out this year as no-one has an oven and dining table big enough for 12 adults

DezB after having the 😥 of taking my 2 back to their Mum on Xmas eve for many years since they've been 18 they've chosen to spend it with us 8)

went abroad MTB ing last couple, doing the same this year and over new year. Im not anti christmas just seems a better way to spend the time. Kids all grown up and have their own lives

I haven't really but I think I'd maybe quite like it. Pattern last few years has been to turn out and drive round to other people's places to spend much of the day politely watching Christmas specials of crap I wouldn't watch the rest of the year. Don't really recall much of it seeming much like a break or holiday the last few years, certainly seem to spend it doing mainly what everyone else wants. I don't think I'd miss that much.
MrsSalmon and I have agreed that on Boxing Day we are going to sit on our backsides in our own house this year though 🙂

[quote="scandal42"]
Christmas is just a day, but It actually feels different for me, it feels like a special day where the majority of the country stops and just get's together with family/friends and forgets about all the shit that goes on throughout the year and focuses on each other.That's called "the weekend" in much of europe......

[img] [/img]

In the 15 years we've been together I have spent one Christmas day with my missus (when she was on materinity leave). All other years she has worked Christmas day, and will be again this year (nurse). Before kids this meant I spent the day on my own, often decorating. Now with kids I head to my parents, where we get fed and watered and the kids are entertained. Then we do the whole Christmas day thing on the 26th, presents, turkey, etc.

DaRC_L - Member

Ooh sbob... and why?
We are dining out this year as no-one has an oven and dining table big enough for 12 adults

Because Christmas [i]should[/i] be a time for people to spend with their families.
Many won't be able to because you, and people like you, prioritise your convenience and position of privilege ahead of other's desire to spend the day with their families. 💡

But don't let that spoil your Christmas. 🙂

Apologies to the mod who felt the need to delete my previous post. I didn't think it was [i]that[/i] bad. 😳

You suggested an illegal act of sex abuse, sbob... Possibly somewhat disproportionate...

Anyway, as the OP has pointed out, not everyone has somewhere to go or they prefer not to do the whole Xmas thing so they're gainfully employed serving lunch to others 🙂

Many won't be able to because you, and people like you, prioritise your convenience and position of privilege ahead of other's desire to spend the day with their families.

I've enjoyed my Xmas Days alone on the trails but now that my parents are no longer with us, my adult children believe I shouldn't be on my own. This year there will be no bikey talk from The Boy as he's going elsewhere so daughter has announced it's just her and I. Hmmm, it won't be easy.

its one day in a year treat it like any other day

it meant I only had to spend 2 or 3 hours with my family

So you're not one of the people that wants to spend time with their family.

I will be this year. First time ever. Really looking forward to it. I do love xmas but the day itself just feels like a bunch of formulaic nonsense. I was thinking about buggering off in the camper but I fly out to France at 6am on Boxing Day so I can't go too far. Weather permitting I'll squeeze in a ride, make myself a nice dinner then chill.

OOoh Sbob

people like you, prioritise your convenience and position of privilege ahead of other's desire to spend the day with their families.

BTW if I was a person of privelige we'd have a place big enough for the family to get together.

Scandal - I mean no offence to those who like it. Honestly.
I've never liked the whole "cram the entire family into one house" thing - really never been fussed by any of it from pretty much from when I walked. As a kid - even on my own b'day I'd be held indoors long enough to say thank you and then leg it when no one was looking.
Having kids meant it was tolerated and as much as it was always spouted as "its for them - its xmas, they believe in Santa" - that was ok - for them. Then you get adults who don't remember that two yr olds have no real concept of stuff and play with the boxes - all 200 of them...
Its the hyperbole surrounding it all - pushed every year from spet onwards by the stores wanting bigger profits.

20yrs of relationship/marriage with inlaws who were great people but at xmas turned into Satan if you so much as thought about not doing the family ritual (amazing people the other 364 days).
Even my ex now refuses to do all that and spends the day chilled out with the girls who are now teenagers who actually don't like all the fuss and mess it causes.

Living in Spain for 12yrs was really good. There is no xmas - 25th is celebrated as the day he was supposedly born and then back to work.
Reyes day - 6th Jan is the bringing of gifts - 12 days after his birth (hence the 12 days of xmas) when the three kings rocked up. Its done in your own home though - there isn't the mass exodus to the unlucky house this year that Brits have.

Hels - I might just take you up on that! As long as theres somewhere to dump the leathers 😉

Going for a ride in the hills on Christmas day would be brilliant. There'd be absolutely no one else around. Heaven!

Going for a ride in the hills on Christmas day would be brilliant. There'd be absolutely no one else around. Heaven!

I'd do a long road ride taking advantage of the empty road.

If it's a nice day, it's a brilliant day to go for a road ride, there is almost zero traffic.

You must be kidding?! The one time I went for a ride on Christmas morning the roads were insane. People driving like absolute idiots round to family for dinner. Car full of presents and screaming hyper kids who'd been up since 6am gorging on chocolate.
They're driving to someone they only visit once a year so they're not entirely sure of directions so they're driving all over the road, peering out the window trying to spot Aunt Sally's house.

Fast forward to about 4pm and it's the same in reverse except by now everyone is slightly pissed too. And it's dark.

BTW if I was a person of privelige

...you'd be able to afford to dine out on Christmas Day? 😛

[i] cinnamon_girl - Member

Hmmm, it won't be easy. [/i]

That's why we have Christmas Vodka!
😀

As usual. Eat and drink and look forward to the new year.

yep - I'll be on me jack. family not what I would describe as 'fully operational', so a few pints in the local with friends, then home for some scoff and play with whatever toy i've decided to treat myself to. fine by me. I am a misanthrope mind. 🙂

porlus
Possibly me this year. My lass is a nurse and isnt sure if shes working christmas day or not yet.
Dont mind though. Did it a couple of years back. Had pizza for lunch and a bottle of red. Lovely

Mine too, but she's not working this YEAR! So it'll be My Wife, our 2 kids and I all day in our PJs - father in law will probably pop in for lunch. Happy Days.

I used to enjoy a day of peace though when I was single - I used to have to Pop to my Mums for Xmas lunch but I'd leave after half an hour. She used to tell my family it was because of something terrible that happened to me on Xmas day was I was a kid and I got depressed at Xmas - but in truth, I just liked the silence of world on Xmas day - and I'm sure 'peace on earth' is a big part of it.

If you want a surreal experience talk a walk down the major shopping areas near you on Xmas day, for weeks they would have been chaos and they will be again the day after because 'January' sales start boxing day now - but for a while at least it's like being in 28 days later.

Whilst we're talking about Xmas, one best 'selfish' thing about Xmas for me, isn't the presents, or the time off work, or the chance to have a beer with my mates - it's knowing that we've broken the back of the 'dark days' Winter Solstice is December the 22nd this year, before we know it the nights will be getting slightly shorter again and we're getting closer to Spring and Summer.

Working 12 hour day shifts Xmas day and Boxing day, keeping the lights on for the rest of you.

OH has to be on call at the vets an hour away. Her bosses have pretty much doubled her hours over Christmas without asking her so they can go away on holiday and everyone else can have the time off as they all have kids and we don't. Last two years she has worked every day over Christmas and new year except Christmas day so she has been doing way more than her fair share but got her head bitten off when she pointed it out.

So I have a choice of spending Christmas day alone (and MTBing if it's decent) or in the staff room of a vets with a tiny TV while people bring in animals they have been putting off taking tot he vets until it's dropping dead as they've been too busy (selfish) or helping her by holding projectile vomiting dogs that have been allowed to eat chocolate to save her having to call in the on-call vet and spoiling their day too.