Christmas for people with no siblings etc

[corinascot]

I think we all tend to have expectations during the holidays that are too high. I know I fall into that trap. It's especially frustrating b/c I have to remind myself that Thanksgiving is for being thankful, not a time for wishing for what I don't have. I'm lucky to have dh and ds. There are some people out there who have NO ONE, no family or friends. Very sad.

I have a huge family on my side and dh is one of 4 kids, but they're all over the world. We have one child, our 13 year old ds. I love my siblings, but they are some of the most "dysfunctional" people you'll ever meet. It can be very stressful to be with them. We get together b/c I love them and b/c I want our only to be close to his cousins (I'm close to mine), but it's not all full of Hallmark moments, folks.

On Christmas, we usually visit family the weekend btw xmas and New Year's. On a few Christmas days we've invited friends over and had a wonderful time.

 

[Tinkerbell_n_neverland]

Nursing homes too. Certain wards on hospitals, Children's hospitals, neo-natal unit, Ronald McDonald and Target homes. Lots of places need people to help. Also look for needs in your community. I know of a local couple that had their baby horribly burned (accident in the kitchen) He lost his job(burned as well), they're struggling. We're going to try to do something for them. Churches sometimes know of single parents that have a hardtime, daycares know about familes that need help as well. there's always a way to pass it on, feel not so lonely, and help others

I believe this is the right answer. I too am an only child, and I gave birth to only one. When i was growing up it was just my mother and I and we really didnt have alot of money. One year, my mother was really sick and my gifts came from the Salvation Army. I never forgot that. When I became a teenager and got my first job I took some money and got a random gift, one for a boy, one for a girl, and donated it back to the Salvation Army as a thank you for making my Christmas special. Ive been doing this every year since.

Now with my 5 year old, we don't have alot of money, but I still manage to hold some aside. We still donate. I usually let my son pick out a gift (usually he picks up something he wants and thats how we pick the gift), then we pay for it, and then drop it off in the drop box together.

So many people forget what Christmas is all about, and the real values and truths need to be passed on to the next generation if we want it to continue. Don't be sad about not having enough people to get gifts for. There are plenty of kids in America who are gonna wake up on Christmas with nothing. Thats why these charities are in place. Help out, and make sure you teach your kids!

 

[PaulaSue]

Both Dh and I are onlies and it is very lonely at holidays especially when my parents don't do stuff on every holiday.

 

[RMulieri]

I think we all tend to have expectations during the holidays that are too high. I know I fall into that trap. It's especially frustrating b/c I have to remind myself that Thanksgiving is for being thankful, not a time for wishing for what I don't have. I'm lucky to have dh and ds. There are some people out there who have NO ONE, no family or friends. Very sad.

I have a huge family on my side and dh is one of 4 kids, but they're all over the world. We have one child, our 13 year old ds. I love my siblings, but they are some of the most "dysfunctional" people you'll ever meet. It can be very stressful to be with them. We get together b/c I love them and b/c I want our only to be close to his cousins (I'm close to mine), but it's not all full of Hallmark moments, folks.

On Christmas, we usually visit family the weekend btw xmas and New Year's. On a few Christmas days we've invited friends over and had a wonderful time.

EXACTLY...too many people get caught up with high expectations and the commercialism /media portrayal of holidays that we sometimes feel isolated and cheated if they don't look like a Norman Rockwell painting.Embrace what you do have, focus on the positive, give to those less fortunate than you.If you have your health, a roof over your head,and at least one good friend you are not doing too badly.It is very easy to get depressed this time of year .

 

[Charleyann]

I know with reading another thread that it is hard when you have a big family to buy presents and keep everybody happy.

But I wish I was in that boat, but I am not. I am now an only child, I did have siblings but they died when they were young. I hate it, and at this time of year I think of how thinks could have been. I am, like I have said, now an only child, I have no nephews or nieces, so I only have my 2 children to buy for at christmas, and yes I go over the top, because they have no aunties or uncles. I wish I had others to buy for and to spend Christmas with. Believe me I know how families can be, really my ex husbands mother was the mil from hell. But remember you have them, enjoy them at this special time.

A

I lost my beloved and only brother in a Tornado in August 2007. My Dad died two years before of cancer. My mom is in last stage Alzheimers. She doesn't know me or my son. Doesn't know it is Christmas. My only other sibling is a severe drunk! Nasty too and lives in another province. I have no neices or nephews. There is now just my son and I. This will be our second Christmas without family members. We chose to go away for a month over the holidays. I can't bear Christmas without my brother and parents yet.

Maybe next year!!! I hope your Holiday is safe and full of love from your Children. Cherish it!!!

Merry Christmas

Charleyann