Alone (or maybe not) this Christmas

[gemini20]

I wanted to send out a thought to all those who, like me, will be spending Christmas alone.

It can be quite emotionally draining at this time of year hearing about other people's plans to be with partners, family or friends. It's good to know that so many people have support at this time but I just wanted to acknowledge that there are many who don't have anyone and the holidays can make that feeling of being alone even more acute.

I'm lucky in many ways I suppose because my spiritual belief allows me to know that while I may be physically alone over the next few days I have plenty of friends and loved ones who have died who I can connect to and their presence around me brings me a great deal of comfort and joy.

‘Visits’ from those in spirit can often come via dreams and as I expect to spend a great deal of time asleep or at least dozing in bed due to not being well at the moment, I hope to have plenty of ‘company’ over the holidays.

Best wishes to everyone at this time,

Emma

[Andy Velez]

...and some who are thinking of you are still here on the planet, Emma. Enjoy the days however you spend them.

Hugs and cheers,

[hartiepie]

What a great post for me to read today. My partner of 23 years died on Xmas 2 yrs ago and my brother also died of AIDS on Thanksgiving (21 yrs ago). Holidays have taken on a different meaning for me than before!

As I have read in many other threads, I agree that there are worse things than being alone. Even so, I find myself lonely sometimes, and questioning in many things about myself and society this time of year.

I am usually a lurker on these boards, but I still read them a lot and really rely on knowing that there are people like me out there struggling and enjoying life too.

Happy holidays!

[Queen Tokelove]

I usually am alone but this year seems to be different. I have a room mate and my dysfunctional family has invited me to a family affair. But I agree with you that my loved ones who are no longer here will be peeking in as well.

[bear60]

Emma
I know that all of our friends who have "passed on" had a hand in decorating our tree this year.
I wish you a peace-filled Christmas.

[sweetasmeli]

Sorry to hear you're not well, Emma; hope you feel better soon. Sending you lots of love and healing hugs.

Debra xxx

[ademas]

I hear you loud and clear, Emma.
Peace and best wishes,
Craig

[englishgirl]

dearest emma, and also anyone else who is either alone or feeling alone at this time, love and hugs to you. please treat yourself today/tomorrow - you deserve it.

to those of you who are missing loved ones from your side this christmas, i hope you can enjoy some happy reflections to help you through the missing them. lots of love.

also, i am thinking of those of you who have to be social or have guests at this time of year when you really want to be alone or be somewhere else. i hope that it isnt as bad as you think it's going to be!

love to all
xxxx

[BT65]

Emma, this will be my first Christmas without my mum.  I miss her very much, but I know she still sees me and watches out for me. 

I hope you get to feeling better.  Sending you a lot of {{{PEACE}}} and {{{HUGS}}}!

Betty

[joemutt]

That's a very beautiful posting, Emma. This year I was alone but I didnt feel lonely,
maybe the knowledge of knowing that there are many others (here) in the same boat,
in a few days my friends will return from Cambodia.
I started cleaning and decorating on Xmas eve and I was so tired I didnt get to eat my
Xmas meal, so I'll have it tonight. As usual a lot of thoughts for everyone on the other side of the universe,
I just look at my fairy godmother'picture, she now roams another galaxy and it really comforts me.
She smiles as if she encourages me.
I used to get down from the excessive and hollow cellebrating and tinsel here in Bangkok
(a buddhist town) but now I see it as surreal, kitsch and an expression of emptiness.

I want to join and wish everyone a peaceful time.

[northernguy]

And as sappy as it sounds, we are here with each other out in cyberland!  the older I get, the more tempted I am to leave town just before Xmas and return after New Year's.  Its all too draining.