he is litirally not coming

on top of the fact that I never get gifts from anyone (because I don't know anyone), I don't even have much money this year to aford my own stuff- and the money I do have needs to go on essentials like food or what ever.

he's not coming to my house this year. at all. not even through amazon

*sighs*

this year is extra hard because of covid

you hear that people are going to spend christmas in their " support bubble", I don't even have that.

christmas day I''ll probably be stuffing my face with turkey watching the ****ing muppets

nothing wrong with the muppets, but it's the same every year. no ****ing excitement

[Miss Laura]

Save the money you would spend on gifts and spend it on food for the big day. Something you really like and want and that's maybe more than you would normally pay.

If your struggling in re to food try and go to food banks etc if you can. There is no shame in this. Don't know in England (I'm sure that's where you live) but up in Scotland we have things called food larders in every housing scheme. They provide bags of food for the community.... most charities are doing this

[Soupe du jour]

Hi ragingvortex. I know that Christmas is known for gifts, but there are many worthy alternatives or things that can and should be sufficient. What comes to my mind is baking Christmas cookies, or other sweets. Last year I made 10 different types of cookies/confections, plus a Christmas bread. [Anyone remember me? The cookie woman?] That's way too much for most people, but a couple types are fun. I made all of them for my blog. I have noticed that many people are already viewing those posts from last year, and it's not even November. I can understand because the pandemic surely inspires home baking and cooking, and it doesn't matter if they turn out ugly. The fun is still there. Then there are crafts (options unlimited) and playing Christmas music. Flower arranging is a hobby of mine. That can even include greens, holly, and tree decorations on a wreath or table arrangement. The spirit can be present without typical presents.

Miss Laura has a lovely idea of charitable giving. It need not be a monetary donation. That is in the truest spirit of the holiday.

[fern46]

I'm sorry. I know it feels lonely and losing the comforts of the holiday on top of it is an extra kick in the rear.

I do like the idea of shifting your perspective of what Christmas needs to be in order to perhaps find comfort and even happiness despite the challenges. For example, you could get weird with it and make yourself a Christmas card every day and write one thing in it you appreciate about yourself. You could then arrange the cards on a wall in the shape of a tree and make yourself a self-gratitude Christmas tree of sorts to look at.

I like the idea of learning to bake or cook something new and festive as well.

I agree with the other suggestions as well. Find some way to give to yourself even if you have to get way outside of the box to do it.

We will all be around as well. Reach out and connect. I'm happy to listen anytime.

[*Beth*]

I haven't done anything for Christmas since my kids grew up years ago. It is quite literally "just another day." Last year I actually ventured forth to do something for the holiday. My husband and I went to a diner for Christmas Eve dinner. That was nice. No gifts, not for over a decade. The next day we didn't even see each other and I was alone with my usual best buddies - my cats.

But this year covid will prevent even the simplest dinner plan. Some people met up here on PC on Christmas day last year.

[RoxanneToto]

I like the idea of doing things/writing cards for yourself. I realise it’s not the same as getting gifts and sharing food with others, but self love is a great gift in itself.

[bpcyclist]

I am gonna see if I can save a little and maybe cook turkey and everything for my homeless friends unfer the Steel Bridge with my daughter if I can.

I do enjoy cookies. can't go wrong with them

and the gratitude tree thing is a great idea. honestly, I should probably doing more of that anyway (learning to be greatful for things)

thanks for the ideas

[Fuzzybear]

Did I read somewhere that you write stories (or used to)?

Maybe write a Christmas story (for the younger you or maybe another cub)

I might do that too (but being me I would only share it with one or two friends, I am quite self critical)

If you write a story, you could share it on pc