I wrote this on my last day of work before heading home for christmas. My year has been a great one with a few ups and downs, some time spent doing lots and socialising more than usual, other times feeling a little lonely and missing close friends.
Moving around, maybe more so as a single, can make it tougher to forge long term friendships - for me anyway. The getting to know the person phase, making time in ‘busy’ lives and putting oneself out there can be a bit scary. I’ve tended to meet more married/partnered women possibly with kids - they have that person to go home to, to chat with even when apart and share the stresses and good times in life.
When you’re single, with no kids and no longer into the party social scene it often means spending time on ones own. I’m generally okay with it, I have my moments for sure - WhatsApp and tinder are a great diversion for feeling lonely. And the fact I do have some great friends, albeit in different countries means I can reach out.
But what if I didn’t have any of that?
If my parents were no longer around
My friends had moved on, got too busy to chat or life swallowed them
What if I didn’t have a phone or know how to use a chat application?
If my eyes failed and I couldn’t see the keyboard clearly
What if I didn’t have those people and I was spending Christmas alone, not because I truly chose to but because I had no one?
That’s the reality for many, day in day out. I can only imagine it’s harder at Christmas time when you know it’s a time for sharing yet you have no one to share it with.
As a non religious person, Christmas means holiday time and getting together with loved ones -celebrating, fun etc. Not the gift giving and over indulgence it has become. I wonder if it’s lost it’s meaning along the way with marketing ads, must do this , have this etc...
So my Christmas wish is to spare a thought for those alone - is it possible to visit someone? An old people’s home, orphanage, give food to a homeless shelter ? Something to brighten another human beings Christmas and to show we care ??
Thank you
The video is of my friend's 2 awesome - Aggie and Bo. Super fun and loving being with them..
Merry Christmas to one and all.