Holiday Party For One?
Essentials|December 2015
They say Christmas is a time for children and family, but what happens if youre on the single circuit when it comes to the celebrations?
Claudia Connell
Holiday Party For One?

Watch any of the Christmas TV ads that  start flooding our screens around now and you’ll notice that they all have one thing in common. The adverts all feature loved-up, beautiful couples and/or genetically perfect families. Not once have I seen a Christmas commercial showing a woman delighting in decorating a tree on her own or tucking into a box of chocolates alone on her couch. Why? Because as far as most people are concerned, Christmas is all about family. But what if you don’t have one of your own? No husband… and no children?

 I’ve been single for a long time and, actually, I rather like it. That said, there are key times when it isn’t a bundle of laughs. Top of the list is, of course, Valentine’s Day, but Christmas runs a close second.

Don’t get me wrong. I don’t spend the day sitting at home in my dressing gown, dunking bread chunks into my Cup a Soup. But I do sometimes feel that Christmas has become a bit of an exclusive club where single people aren’t always made to feel welcome. When you consider that the latest figures show nearly half of women are single, having never married, and that one in five will never have children, it’s hardly an exclusive club, is it? The first (and biggest) problem usually rears its head some time in November: where will I spend Christmas Day? 

One thing I can guarantee is that every year some well-meaning soul will, in all seriousness, suggest I help out at a soup kitchen.

Bu hikaye Essentials dergisinin December 2015 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Essentials dergisinin December 2015 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

ESSENTIALS DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
Find Balance In A Wired World
Essentials

Find Balance In A Wired World

Tech was supposed to make life easier, but have our days got more, not less, pressured? Here’s how to reclaim your time and your sanity by managing your online habits

time-read
4 dak  |
June 2020
Essentials

Food To Boost Your Mood

Are you feeling stressed out or lacking energy? Turns out can eat your way to happiness

time-read
1 min  |
June 2020
Are You Eating Your Emotions?
Essentials

Are You Eating Your Emotions?

Lots of us reach for food when we’re down, stressed or tired. Here’s why we do it – and how to break the cycle, fast!

time-read
5 dak  |
June 2020
‘I dream of having A VINEYARD'
Essentials

‘I dream of having A VINEYARD'

AWARD-WINNING ACTRESS SCARLETT JOHANSSON ON PLAYING COMPLEX FEMALE CHARACTERS, RAISING HER DAUGHTER AND CO-PARENTING AFTER A DIVORCE

time-read
4 dak  |
June 2020
MEAL MAKEOVER 'FRIED' CHICKEN
Essentials

MEAL MAKEOVER 'FRIED' CHICKEN

MEAL MAKEOVER 'FRIED' CHICKEN

time-read
2 dak  |
June 2020
FOCUS ON AVOIDING GERMS
Essentials

FOCUS ON AVOIDING GERMS

Staying well has become our biggest priority. Fight the nasties with this expert insight

time-read
4 dak  |
June 2020
HOW DO YOU FIND LOVE IN THE MIDDLE OF A GLOBAL PANDEMIC?
Essentials

HOW DO YOU FIND LOVE IN THE MIDDLE OF A GLOBAL PANDEMIC?

Life as we know it has changed – with social distancing and curfews putting nights out on hold, we find out if romance is off the table, too

time-read
4 dak  |
June 2020
DITCH THE GUILT FOR GOOD
Essentials

DITCH THE GUILT FOR GOOD

Are you carrying remorse, regret and guilt around with you? You’re not alone...

time-read
3 dak  |
June 2020
DON'T TELL ME I CAN'T LAUNCH MY OWN BUSINESS AGED 40
Essentials

DON'T TELL ME I CAN'T LAUNCH MY OWN BUSINESS AGED 40

BUSY MOM LUCY PARLEY WANTED TO EMBRACE HER CREATIVITY

time-read
3 dak  |
June 2020
Don't Tell Me I Can't: Rediscover My Childhood Hobby
Essentials

Don't Tell Me I Can't: Rediscover My Childhood Hobby

Esther Wane realised it was a shame to leave her talents in the past

time-read
3 dak  |
April 2020