Yep, this was it.
I was wondering how it would go. My first Christmas ‘by myself’. My worry lobe kicked in and i wondered if i’d be lonely, morose, disconnected…
And, happily to say, it went pretty well. With much help from friends and Daughter Person…and some introspective self-preparation…I didn’t find myself wallowing in the muck of self-despair, wailing at my solitude. And I’m pretty damned happy about that.
Things that helped out a lot – –
– I felt it a good thing to actually put up a tree and decorate some around the house instead of just going into denial that there was a holiday going. Girl Child, though I know it was conflicting her, helped me pick out the Christmas tree – “Baby’s First Christmas Tree”. She also gave a hand at putting up my very limited decorations. I thought it was cute that she tried to put something Christmassy in every room. We deferred putting lights and ornaments on the tree until it ‘blossomed’ a bit (and, honestly, I think Girl Child was glad to not have to help with that as it would’ve emphasized the separation).
ooo pretty
– Got my Christmas cards sent out, along with my new address. Didn’t expect many, but I did get some cards back from family (check a future post on one of my favorites) and a few long lost friends.
– I’m not a huge bleeding heart on Christmas music, but it did help to find the Christmas CDs I was able to steal liberate rightfully take from the old home. I picked out a couple of jazzy CDs (“Cool Yule I” and “II”). Got me a bit more in the holiday spirit.
– Had a couple friends pass along some Christmas decorations, ornaments, and (yum!) goody treats. My most favorite of those and the first on “Baby’s First Christmas Tree”? Dear Friend brought me this to commemorate my ‘escape’ and starting new ventures in life –
– And the topper? Despite the opening sentences, this Christmas was not spent ‘by myself’. Daughter Person spent most of Christmas day with me. The Spouse had her sister in town to keep her company, so Girl Child thought it would be good to hang out with me. We exchanged gifts, ate way too much candy and cookies, watched some movies, played some games, listened to music, and just chilled together.
awww baby's first christmas
So, I hereby declare “Baby’s First Christmas” as a success in my road to a new life. And I’m looking forward to future “Baby’s First . . . “ events in that new life.
And here’s hoping that your holidays were as satisfying to you and yours – – –
Tags: baby's first everything, friends, Girl Child, ornaments, starting over
The Wilds of Ohio 
December 30, 2008 at 00:41 |
Nice tree, and nice that Daughter Person could spend some time with you.
December 30, 2008 at 11:48 |
I’m glad to hear it went so well. I feel rather bad because I, for several years, have not sent out a single Christmas card whereas I have received a number. I have the bad feeling that it is probably like economics, and if you have more imports than exports, something is wrong.
December 30, 2008 at 15:59 |
Hah to Lucid! I’m with you on that. Although, I don’t feel bad b/c every card I get is the photo kind of my friends and their families. I don’t think anyone wants a photo card of just me standing next to a Christmas tree.
Gnu- I’m so happy that your Christmas went well. I was thinking about you while sitting quietly in the midst of yet another family squabble. I was thinking how nice it would be for you to not have any strain or tension in the air. I did worry you would be lonely, so I’m glad to hear that Daughter Person chose to spend her day with you!!
P.S. Kudos to the decorations. I put out a Christmas tree shaped candle and called it a day. 🙂
December 30, 2008 at 17:07 |
my first christmas day alone – and i loved it… had the option to visit family, but chose to snooze, bake some more goodies and faff about on my own. my sprogs returned home that night to a very low key “hang time”, and all was well with the world! so very glad that yours went well! in my opinion? i’d MUCH RATHER be alone than stuck in the company of someone i don’t want to be with… Here’s to “Baby’s first…” everything!
December 30, 2008 at 17:48 |
I stuck a couple of Santa decals on the front door window and threaded some tinsel through the railings going upstairs. Period. Had a completely un-traditional Christmas, to whit, no presents under the tree [we exchanged envelopes filled with cold hard cash], drank a whole lot of red wine and fired up the Weber, for steak on the coals. Was lovely, not a squabble or strained smile in sight. Glad your Christmas was special too xxx
December 31, 2008 at 16:53 |
I’ve had some wonderful Christmases on my own … glad yours turned out so well. Here it was just me, Nog and los gatitos. Plus a few skype ‘conference calls’ with blog friends.
Nice tree!
December 31, 2008 at 22:58 |
silverstar – little things, but necessary to maintain some semblance of my sanity (if you’ll forgive the exaggeration).
lucid – thanks. and don’t feel bad about the cards. for every bear market (in cards), there’s a bull market… or some such tripe. it’s what happens the remainder of the year with those people that’s more important.
evangeline – i’m not thinking i’d like to swap with you. there was something very peaceful about having just the two of us there…and me alone much of the time. i’ll get family time other times in the year. (and thanks for worrying about me…*hug*)
daisyfae – yep, i learned the same this year. you don’t have to have a lot of hubbub. just a few decorations and time spent–when you can, even if for a short bit–with family and selected friends. glad you enjoyed your solitude. and i am definitely looking forward to many more “Baby’s First…” moments.
parenthesis – aww, a christmas romantic, you are. actually, what you described sounds loverly. there’s something to be said for simplicity. xxx
azahar – it’s not quite a Charlie Brown Christmas tree, but it was understated…and quite sufficient. sounds like your Christmas was nice and quiet with those you needed.
December 27, 2009 at 21:10 |
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