ALONE ON THE HOLIDAYS & LOVING IT

Every year we are bombarded with propaganda that Christmas is a warm and fuzzy time for loving family & friends to enjoy together.  -- What a (@$^&*+^%! bunch of bull crap! I prefer to be alone; I enjoy it more that way!

Constantly, I read online or in the newspaper how people should reach out to those alone on the holidays. -- Newsflash! Reach out to me when a hurricane is threatening my house, but for Christ's sake, leave me alone on Christmas!

OK, so holidays alone are depressing for some people, but others (like me) run with it! And we're carrying streamers and screaming for joy!!! Plus I resent the stereotype that people alone are emotionally needy. Not everyone equates being alone with lonely, some find it liberating!!!

However this Christmas, just like the last, I WON'T be alone.

Next door, I have a fairly new, retired couple of snowbirds. Unlike most of my other neighbors, I actually like these people. And that's beginning to create a yearly problem for me. The first time, I was able to politely exclude myself from their Christmas Day plans. I told them that I honestly preferred to spend the day alone. Last year, they insisted I must come to meet their grown kids & grandchildren, along with another couple.

Everyone was pleasant and interesting. I was included in everything and had it not been Christmas Day, I would have welcomed it. BUT, I felt as if I was missing out on all those things I enjoy and look forward to alone.

For decades, my Christmas was spent as a foot soldier in someone else's holiday. Alone, I became the Commander! At long last I could enjoy a Christmas my way! Suddenly I began looking forward to holidays again with the same joy and enthusiasm as I did when I was small child, only now it's even better!

I can decorate to the hilt or not, light scented candles, listen to my favorite music, and spend all day in my pajamas watching movies of my choice. Plus I can serve myself exactly what I like to eat at whatever time I desire. And since Christmas is now my big cheat- on-my-diet day, this is more important than ever!

I'll have it next Christmas! I assured myself last time.

NOT!!!!  I've been lassoed again!!!!

"Everyone remembers you and will be so disappointed if you don't come," I was told.

Only weeks before, I turned this nice couple down when they offered to take me out for Thanksgiving Dinner. I felt they would be offended if I refused another holiday invitation. So reluctantly, I agreed.

Because they live right next door, I can't use my other plans excuse. That lie won't fly! My house is the one right before the bend in the road; their house is set back from mine. Despite all the greenery, they can see all my comings and goings.

Also they spend next to zero time on their computer, so I doubt they'll ever read this.

Next year, I will be both polite and assertive. I vow to reclaim MY Christmas!