Hi all,
Going to be stuck away from family for Xmas (you know not travelling following advice "essential travel only" due to covid thing). How would you celebrate or have you celebrated Xmas along? (if you even celebrate) ?. Friends are all busy with their own families etc...

cheers
N

PS Am used to working at Xmas in past years so it really isnt a biggie, but am curious what others do or would do?.

Well, the one positive thing about being alone is that you can do whatever you feel like doing. Don't feel like celebrating? Then don't. Feel like celebrating in a weird/atypical way? Go for it.

To me the bonus is that I don't have to listen to all sorts of Christmas carols. I really dislike those, unless they're from a Trans-Siberian Orchestra album, though I know it's not a very popular thing to say.

I usually just sit around with a cup of mulled wine, a "let it snow on my desktop" program active and enjoy a show or play a game I like (preferably one with a wintry setting).

One last thing - I know it's a bit early now, but I might forget later on: Merry Christmas!

I think I would play Little Inferno (currently 80% off)

Or maybe rewatch Batman Returns. (the Tim Burton one)

Or drop the digital stuff altogether and read and listen to music.

If you're not religious, there isn't much point to celebrating Christmas alone.

If you are, well, celebrate the birth of Christ. Praying,or something. I don't know, I'm not religious.

Now that I think about it, maybe that frame of mind could help with the depression around this season.

If you're celebrating the birth of Christ, there's absolutely no reason to feel alone.

probably watch a movie , listen to some of my favorite music and play a relaxing game such as stardew valley.

If it was with me, I'd try to connect with my family online, so yhat we could share the meal "together".

If it was not possible, I would be playing games, or watching some movie until I'd get sleepy.

My best suggestions would probably get me banned from the forum.

Anyway, get a good shower, dress up, treat yourself to a nice dinner, do a video call with the people you feel like talking to and just try to relax.

Xmas is way older than that. It's the rebirth of the sun god. Or, to put it more atheist "more daylight from now on".

@OP: do what you want to do. It's a good time for contemplation. If you have people you care about, but can't see, maybe write them something - on paper, in handwriting, if you like.
Light a candle, and "pray" (or meditate, which is essentially not much different"). Xmas is about the beginning of a new cycle. What do you hope for? What do you want to achieve? Whom do you owe thanks for the time that was?

Answering this as a Christian.

Try to take part in a church service, especially a Candlelight (midnight) service. Many churches have even pickup services, so if you contact them beforehand they could arrange transportation to and from the church sanctuary (in case you don't have mobility available).

Sharing a virtual dinner with your loved ones, as others said, could be also a thing.

Then, enjoy your favorite beverage, read a good book, play a good game, listen to music you like.
If you happen to like classical music (you know, with all those long multi-movement pieces) this could be the time to listen to them without interruptions. Check out the full Mahler, Bruckner, Brahms or Beethoven symphonic cycle or something.

I spent two Christmas rather alone. I was an international student. After church, I came back home and sat on the window, watching the snow fall slowly to the ground while doing what I suggested to you. I had a good time.

Anyway, regardless of your faith or lack thereof, I wish you every blessing and a happy Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. So true. Thanks for saying that.

Same as every year, waking up too early because I forgot to turn off the alarm clock at the first day of my vacation.
Starting to play whatever I feel like playing (this year probably CP), go for my daily 2-3 hour walk in the afternoon and in the evening the usual dinner with my parents, my sister and my Grandmother as we all live in the same house anyway.

Haven't met my girlfriend in months now, due to her OCD and distance. My city is still under lockdown even if there is some semblance of normalcy.


Going through a career transition and work has been keeping me busy. I intend to get some alcohol and binge-watch or play a game. Resident Evil 2 seems like the perfect christmas game for me.


Shall go for a nice long long walk in the morning.

Yes, I know that.

But that's not what's celebrated today. It's Christ, family or consumerism.

Take your pick, because I'm absolutely certain you won't be observing the original celebration.
No problem. I may not believe in him, but I like the guy.

A true Hermit! :D

I don't, which would be nice, to at least be able to ignore it around the house, if otherwise I'm bombarded with it from all directions. Gah!

But, as others have said, depends on what you would be celebrating. If it's the religious aspect, you shouldn't feel alone, at least not in a spiritual sense, and personal rituals and observances are powerful. If it's the consumerist one, shouldn't make much difference, as that's "celebrated" starting months ahead now. If it's just having a free day, being alone may even make it better, allowing you to really do whatever you feel like. The one problem is if the meaning of Christmas for you was mostly tied to the reunion, with a larger number of relatives and/or friends otherwise living apart, in which case on-line meetings, calls and maybe having some thoughtful gifts delivered will have to be the substitute.