Somehow, in the several years since the 2005 end of my marriage, I've managed to insinuate myself into somebody else's Christmas plans every year. Until now. I have a feeler or two out, but I'm also intrigued with what Christmas would be like all alone. Toute seule, as they call it in Paris when you want a table for one. On my own.
Those all sound blue-ish. What if I call it 'Christmas My Way'? Sounds better, but what does it look like?
So far, no Christmas tree. Too hard to put up the big ones by myself. Maybe I need to start liking small trees on high stools. I could do that. Just my favorite ornaments, a string of lights, a focal point for the presents my family is sending.
So far, no Christmas cookies, but in about five minutes, the fruitcake cookies I love will be out of the oven. I see homemade eggnog in my future.
My dream Christmas day includes games of Scrabble and Christmas books read aloud, and people playing instruments and singing songs. I've never had exactly this dream Christmas day in my life, so I can't feel too self-pitiful if I don't have it again this year. I'm thinking, though, a nice roast chicken with roasted leeks and carrots and brussels sprouts, with the homemade fresh cranberry relish I like and a nice bottle of zinfandel. I can read to me, aloud or not, after I listen to my old cassette tapes of Messiah.
As I look back over my long life, I see different traditions through the years. I never thought Christmas alone would be one of them, but honestly, the idea is growing on me.
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INTERESTING STUFF: 25 February 2012
17 hours ago
7 comments:
I spent a couple single Xmases (where my family was 3000 miles away) serving food at a soup kitchen. Good reason to get up in the morning, busy, fun day. Lots of people!
(conversely, one of my best Thanksgivings is one where I did NOTHING! Nice way to recharge)
I love this idea, Hebba, but when I tried to find a place to do this at Thanksgiving, I couldn't. Anybody know a place in Seattle? I'll take another look.
And I'd love to hear from others about their own single holidays.
I'm married now, but I fondly remember a few single holidays. I went to my parents early that morning to open gifts then I came back home and had a wonderful solo day of movies, wine, reading, bubble baths and doing whatever I want. I wish no harm on my family, but those were great pressure free memories. Enjoy a solo holiday. It can be a great day for recharging. And go on an put up the Christmas tree. Why not?
Ah, Christmas alone...I've spent quite a few and loved every one of them, actually. I'm also 60 and single in Seattle--kids grown and halfway across the continent. Last year I had my daughter with me, but this is an "off" Christmas, meaning I'm on my own. Two Christmas's ago I booked a room at the Edgewater...you know, that hotel where your room balcony is over the water. Loved every minute; took a book and enjoyed the cozy fireplace (even if it was gas) Anyway, there were other folks hanging out in the restaurant but I didn't know that at the time. I'll bet there were a lot of singles, too! Also, Christmas day early is a great time to explore downtown Seattle without worring about traffic. I was new and timid about driving some neighborhoods still. I'm living in Edmonds now and might spend the day walking the beach at Richmond Beach park--the weather is so nice lately! Gosh, there's so much to do when you love nature here.
PS: This stand is now expensive (I bought mine years ago and it was on special) but a single not-that-strong person can put up a HUGE tree on their own...should call it the "single lady's stand" but that would be politically incorrect. You get the nice guy at the tree lot to attach the center part to the trunk and then you just wrangle it into place back home and it stays up by your using the foot pedal. If you can lift the tree vertically 6 inches you can put it up.
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I guess this answers the questions I just emailed to you. I picture you making wonderful discoveries this Christmas. I spent many Christmases alone after my divorce. I just pretended it was a lovely day to myself to reflect on the joys of times spent with family and friends. Wishing you every joy dear sister. Your Deb
My family celebrates Christmas with me on Christmas Eve. They go to the in-laws side on Christmas Day so I am always by myself. I enjoy the quiet time alone after the hubbub of getting ready for the Eve festivities. Daughter and family usually drop by again late in the day.
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