Holidays without the Kids
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Holidays without the Kids
Dec 2006
For the first time in my entire life, I'm facing the holidays
without my kids. They are spending both Christmas and New
Year's out of town or with their other parent. My kids are
close to the empty nest age (being older teens) but I was not
quite prepared for this.
I'm new in town and wondering if anyone knows of good ideas for
when the other parent has the kids on a holiday that is special
to you
Non-custodial and lonely for holidays
I feel your pain, literally. My son is going out of town with his Dad
for the holidays.
So I am having an open house for friends right at the holiday, Dec. 24.
I will decorate, have special hoiday food, and have a party. Christmas
Eve seems to work OK for many, since American Christians (or solistice
celebrators or what have you) seem to celebrate on Christmas Day and
often have time on Christmas Eve. If you make it an open house it's
self-serve, no sit down, no fixed time for arrivals, etc. I would avoid
an evening alone at all costs. And/or perhaps you are blessed with
non-Christian friends who don't celebrate Christmas and you could ask
them to join you for a holiday meal and/or hike. Brunch is nice.
Going out of town to visit friends or family right at or after the
holiday also seems a good option. If not, treating yourself to a night
of theater with a friend (or music...).
Anyway, treat yourself well!
wishing you contentment
Hop on the boat. I am a divorced mom in the same situation. The ex and
his new wife are taking the kids off to Tahoe to commune with her family
until the 29th. Of course, I am also lonely and bummed. Most of my
friends and my one other relative besides my kids are off traveling to
their families for the holidays. Then there is the added sadness of not
having a significant other to spend the holidays with. Maybe there are
more of us out there and we should all meet for a hike or a potluck or
something.
Anyone else out there?
kl
How about volunteering at a local soup kitchen, senior citizens home, or
other charitable organization? Helping others would be a great way for
you to realize that your kids aren't the only ones who need you. =)
Elaine
My heart goes out to you because I know this is hard. I am married with
kids now but before that, for a long time, I was a single gal and spent
many an ''orphan''
Christmas. This is what I recommend: VOLUNTEER. Project Open Hand,
Glide, St.
Vincent de Paul could all use people to help with their holiday meals.
Or, visit a nursing home where many people are forgotten on Christmas.
Some Christmases I really relished the idea that I could get up and just
have quiet time to myself. I would take an early morning walk...it's so
peaceful in the city on Christmas morning. There might be a spa open. Go
have a nice dinner somewhere. There are some places that are open. I'm
sorry you are feeling lonely, but your kids will come back and things
will be busy. Let them enjoy the holiday and look at this as an
opportunity to have some time for YOU! Good luck and happy holidays.
anon
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