CHRISTMAS FOR ONE

So, you're spending Christmas Day alone? Whether by choice or necessity, there's lots you can do to make the day special.

Breakfast

Get active

You can be forgiven for spending an hour or so in front of the telly. After all, you need to let that extra helping of fried tomatoes go down. But an hour is enough; you need to get active. If it's a sunny day, get wrapped up and go for a walk in your local park. If you drive, take a trip out of town and explore a new territory. If it's snowing, your luck's in. Take your camera and get some snowy snaps.

Church Services and Carol Concerts

On Christmas Day, Church Services and Carol Singing traditionally take place in the morning with the schedule finishing around about lunchtime - after all, even the clergy need some time off at Christmas.

Whether or not you are a Believer, Christmas Day mass can be an uplifting experience. You will be made to feel welcome and there will  often be tea or drinks in the church social club afterwards.  Find out in advance the times of the Christmas Day Carol Singing at your local churches. Ask about social gatherings after the services.

Lunch

If you want to treat yourself to a traditional Christmas lunch, you'll find a great meal plan here. Add a glass of wine and tune into the Queen's Speech. You will enjoy all the pampering without the hassle of having to find a shop which sells batteries and is open on Christmas Day or cleaning a mixture of crisps, nuts and egg nog off your carpet.

Alternatively, why not join others for their Christmas meal? In every community there will be organisations helping more vulnerable people celebrate their day. These include the elderly, disabled and children. Volunteers are needed for everything from cooking, serving and washing up to entertaining and chauffering guests from their homes to the venue. Make enquiries at your local churches and library - check out local websites to find appeals for volunteers.

Visit our Useful Links to get yourself started with volunteering.

 

 

Check in with the online community There will be many others all over the world spending Christmas alone. Many of them will turn their computer on at some point to pass on complements of the season to the online community. Fire up your webcam/Skype  and get online for an hour in the evening. Catch up on your emails and take the opportunity to write to people who may have 'fallen off your radar' over the last year. Everyone likes to receive Christmas Greetings. Try sending e-Christmas cards.

Catch a film

If you enjoy 'The Great Escape' or Raymond Briggs' 'The Snowman', chances are you won't be disappointed this Christmas. For the rest of you, check out the listings pages and make sure there's something on TV you'll enjoy. If not, plan ahead and rent a couple of DVDs. That way, you can settle down with a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie and while away the evening with a little escapism.

Night, Night All

Get off to bed at a reasonable time. Remember, in the morning you'll wake up feeling fresh and smug while all around you are nursing hangovers and contemplating a mountain of washing up and wasted food and discarded gadgets.