Muse on it: It’s a solo Christmas for you, because of the COVID-19 lock downs in combination with everything else being closed for the holiday. You’d normally go to a movie, then dine at your fave resto if ‘things’ were normal. But they’re definitely not ‘normal’…
I’ve spent a lot of ‘solo’ Christmas Days and other holidays over the years, and I’ve developed some coping strategies that work for me. Caution: They may not all work for you. But, if any sound good, go ahead and give them a try, with my compliments.
One thing I’ve discovered is, a little ‘me’ time is never a bad thing – if you invest it wisely.
For me, it’s the people…
Usually, its the people and the traditions that make a Holiday special for me. I’m an only child, and I used to look forward to Days like Christmas for weeks in advance as a time when I would have a few precious hours to spend with my cousins – all from large families. All lived several hours away. That was back when we all got along, but that’s another story. Anyway…
After University, I spent a number of years at that bottom of the ladder as an unmarried, family-less staff member at various radio stations and newspapers. It was assumed that I would not ‘mind’ working on the holidays. For double time and a half, why not? You may have noticed, I said I was an only child. Sister Erin was, too, and we ‘adopted’ each other for shared reasons: We worked in similar industries, under similar circumstances, and we both got tired of being totally alone on special days. It was a good idea for us. But be careful who you choose for a roommate…
My strategies
Books
First, I’ve always chosen books as my first refuge when I was going to be alone on a special day. I always try to have a couple of new books in the house before Christmas comes along. And I binge read, sometimes; if I am especially captivated by a book, or just want to escape into another world for a few hours. Or a whole day.
Movies
I have a few all-time favourites, including some of the all0time best oldie Yuletide season films. Sure, there’s lots to stream, these days, but I prefer the tried and true. The Thin Man, with William Powell and Myrna Loy, from 1934 is one of the best. (I still have a DVD player and a VHS player, so I have an ‘all access Pass’ to mass media.) I always follow-up The Thin Man with It’s A Wonderful Life and the Die Hard series. Yes, Die Hard; when Bruce Willis was younger, cuter and less stereotyped.
A nap
After a hard week at work (the news business is always much busier during the days leading up to a Holiday). sometimes, all you want is a nice, sinful, midday nap. If you feel the need of a total break from the world, go ahead. You’ve probably earned it! Turn off all noises and distractions. Don’t set an alarm. Just go freestyle…
What to eat
Treats
I always have some smallish bowls of my favourite sugary sins on hand for nibbling when the fancy takes men. Don’t let guilt get to you on a special day, and remember what my Mom always says: the Calories don’t count. My faves have alwayhs been the ones my Dad’s Mom always had at her house at Christmas and New Years time: Spearmint Leaves Gummies (leaf-shaped and green, Spearmint-flavoured and covered in crystallized sugar); Chocolate-covered Cherries; Chocolate-covered Peanuts (Raisins, if you have trouble with Peanuts); and Maynard’s Wine Gums (the original Gummies, only by Maynards, from England).
Good Coffee and Tea are essential. I seem to gravitate to tea for special days. It just suits the overall atmosphere.
For Christmas Dinner
I’ve always tried to have a Small Turkey Breast on hand for roasting. I used to default to Roasted or Fried Chicken, but with all the proper trimmings, including a handful each of Brussels Sprouts, Carrots, Mashed Potatoes, and Stuffing made separately as a side dish. Gotta have Stuffing! Gravy from the roast or starting with your own Chicken or Turkey stock is also mandatory. Pop open a small ‘airline’ bottle of Sherry or Port Wine. Stir half of it into the Sauce as it thickens. Drink the other half.
Now… Imagine using the leftover Turkey in a Festive Dagwood Sandwich for lunch or dinner over the next few days to come! (See picture above, left…)
Dessert
Buy a small Plum Pudding and make your own Booze-infused Butterscotch Sauce. Easy Peasy. But if you want to, make the Queen’s own Plum Pud, and remember to whip it up a few weeks early of need so it can ‘age’. When making your Butterscotch Sauce, toss in a full ounce of Sherry or Port Wine. Pour another shot and drink it.
To drink
A bottle of special White Wine: Dry, light, refreshing and distinctive. Not too alcoholic; Reisling, Pino Gris, Chardonnay, or your fave.
For bedtime
A bottle of your favourite hard stuff. Sherry, Port, Whisky, or Liqueur. In honour of my own Scottish-Northumbrian heritage, and not being Scotch gal, I’ve always preferred Drambui or Glayva. Pour one small glass to toast absent friends and family. Pour another to toast yourself.
Call it night…
Whenever you feel it’s appropriate, turn in; whenever you want, in your fave jammies or your clothes. And remember, tomorrow is Boxing Day; no reason not to sleep in!
~ Maggie J.