Hi Sparkling -- This is my second Christmas alone. It is at least partly by choice, as I don't do anything to make myself available to celebrate with others. I have an illness that is not debilitating enough to qualify for SSI, but is aggravated when I work full-time, which I have to do to support myself. It has been flaring for a few months. So I am laying back, watching TV, feeding myself well, cleaning up some mess that I haven't had the strength to see to while working a 40-hour week. So happy to be a teacher and have this paid time off.

Perhaps this year, I'll have enough energy to build a social support network of friends for myself. But for right now, I just need this time to refresh myself and get stronger.

I am self-sufficient, and I am okay with my own company -- an introvert who gains energy from inner world, unlike extroverts who gain energy by being in the world. So perhaps this is a little easier for me.

I hope you find comfort in your online friendships and your pets.