Like some of you, I’ll be home alone for Christmas. (My son and his family go to Iowa to the in-laws almost every Christmas.)
I’m trying to be proactive so I won’t get depressed and discouraged. Here’s some of the ideas I came up with. Maybe they’ll be helpful for you also.
- I love reading mysteries so I’ve ordered a small stack of Christmas mysteries through Amazon & Abe books. Most are used; therefore, cheaper. I’ll curl up in my recliner & escape through the “who-dun-its.”
- I’m gathering up old videos of standard Christmas movies. My favorite is "A Wilderness Christmas."
- Because I live in a senior complex, there are others who are home alone. So 3 of us are having a traditional turkey dinner together.
- I’ll play the many CD’s and tapes of Christmas music I have boxed away. Even The Messiah, which I used to sing every year with a community chorale. I may even play some Christmas music on the piano for everyone.
- I’ll make something for my grandchildren when they return in January.
- I have hired a woman to clean my apartment in mid-December. It’s like my hair done. You feel so much better afterwards. Unlike my love for cooking, housekeeping is low on my what to do list.
- We have one restaurant that stays open Christmas Eve. I hope to go there even if I have to take a taxi. If I end up going alone, I’ll take one of those mystery books with me. And I’ll leave a big tip for the wait person, who gives up being with her family to serve me.
- My apartment is too small to do much decorating. So I’ve gotten my boxes out & will be giving away most of the decorations in the next week or so. Giving is what its all about, right?
- I place my figurine of Santa kneeling at the manger in a prominent place hoping someone will ask about Santa and Baby Jesus.
- I will pray for family & friends, the homeless, the First Responders who must work over Christmas, those in the hospital, and children around the world. May the Lord bless them all with a special & happy day.
- I will take my medication as directed to avoid feeling yuk-y & low on energy.
- I will take time for an Advent Moment each day.
- I will use a cane when the sidewalks & parking lots are slippery. No broken hips for Christmas!
- Instead of sending lots of cards before Christmas, I’ll wait & take the time to thank folks with a handwritten note. I will pray for that person or family as I place a stamp on it. After Christmas, I prayer for everyone who sends me a card or letter. One card per day.
- What I won’t do: have a Pitiful Pearl party, stay confined to my apartment or keep my drapes closed. I will enjoy the sunshine- we have a lot of sunny days here in Central Oregon. I will enjoy seeing the majestic beauty of the snow on top of the Cascade Mountains.
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