Holidays alone

[jessmarimba]

So, due to some scheduling and communication problems, I'm spending the holidays in CO, alone. I have 7/10 days off between Christmas and New Years and I really have no idea what I'm going to do with that time (especially since money is pretty tight right now). I'm really dreading it. I have money set aside to possibly go skiing with some friends on the 26th but other than that I have no plans.

Plus I am harboring a grudge against the BF, who seemed like he was going to take me up on an offer to use vouchers and get him a ticket out here, but procrastinated on it so long before saying he couldn't that I couldn't get a ticket there at a reasonable price. Part of me is tempted to hop in the car and just drive, anywhere, over New Year's - so no one can find me and I won't be moping around at home. I'm so frustrated. I really loathe holidays by myself. Thanksgiving isn't so bad but Christmas is awful.

[redrhodie]

I'm so sorry, Jess.

[Becky]

((((Jess))))

[OakLeaf]

Aw, (((((jess)))))

[tealtreak]

Aw, (((((jess)))))

so sorry- those of us with military families spend lots of holidays with out each other- but there are always folks around in the same situation to hang out with.........If I lived closer you would be welcome here!

[limewave]

Oooh, I like the idea about a little camping trip. That would be awesome.

I agree with volunteering. There are so many people out there, nursing homes, hospitals, shelters, etc. They all can use the help. You always get more back than you give too.

Alot of people I know do group bike rides or runs on Christmas and New Year's Day. That always sounded fun to me.

And the movies. Movie theaters are open on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. I can't even remember the last time I was at a movie theater. I think if I had Christmas Day alone, I would go see a movie.

And I would spend lots of time hiking or running, exploring.

[Artista]

Let's get together for coffee while you're off!

[Catrin]

I am sorry Jess...wish I was closer to you so we could at least meet for coffee! I've spent far too many Christmas holidays alone and know exactly what you mean. Hopefully something will work out and you will be able to spend some time with friends.

[indysteel]

(((Jess))). I'm so sorry. I have experienced some pretty lonely holidays myself. I also have pleasant memories of cobbled together plans with friends that turned out better than I expected. Do what you can to be with nearby friends and to pamper yourself in some way. Perhaps try to fit in some volunteer work as well.

[shootingstar]

Jess, there have been different times in life (and probably more that lies ahead..depending who outlives the other), where I've been alone on statutory holidays. (ie. Thanksgiving, etc.)

It is harder in the winter compared to summer when I love being outdoors on the bike and don't care if I'm cycling alone (because I do cycle alone part of the time, even when we living with one another. Our personal schedules just doesn't always jive.)

Even wishing 1-2 close (unattached) female friends by phone/Skype would be appreciated by them (and you) and it doesn't have to be on Christmas Day. That's what I would do, probably before Christmas in case they are going off to visit family.

I would/have:
*prepare a lovely meal for myself
*earlier during the day, probably gone off to nice cafe or to an indoor market to have something
*play some music, etc.

I have a large family ...thousands of kms. away who always hope to speak with me. ...every Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

This is what happens/will continue to happen. It helps alot to have several single, unattached close female friends (and several in my age range who I've known for several decades).

Would I volunteer at a soup kitchen? I dunno. In the past, the volunteer work I've done has been several days/weeks before Christmas Day itself and the organization was doing a fundraiser, event for the public.

[Sky King]

what to do with 7 to 10 days - think outside of the box ;0
1. drive south to the desert with bike and camping gear
2. go explore places in the area you have always wanted to go to but never had the time
3. do something no one ever thought you would do - learn a new skill, paint something crazy
When I lived on the East coast and all my family was in the west I used to spend holidays by the ocean because it was totally different than family tradition.

Good luck and look forward to hearing what new things you discover!