A Place for People Alone Over the Festive Season

[Eagle Ray]

Hi, I just thought I’d start a thread for those of us who will be alone on Christmas Day or during the festive season generally and would like somewhere to chat and connect.

I will most likely have a quiet Christmas Day at home, cooking some simple meals as I usually do and enjoy my hobbies such as photography and photo editing. I might go for a swim in the ocean.

Feel free to connect here on Christmas Day or over the festive period if you are alone and would like somewhere to chat. You might like to share how you are making it an enjoyable time or reflective time or whatever it is for you. Feel free to share anything festive you are doing and also feel free to share if you are not doing festive activities. Also, feel free to share if you are with others on Christmas Day but feeling a bit lonely as I know that can happen sometimes too.

Wishing everyone a peaceful time over the holiday season 🤗

Eagle Ray

[Eagle Ray]

Dear ABC01,

Sorry, only just seeing your post now. Thank you so much for your lovely message.

Yes, it’s a joy seeing the excitement of kids at Christmas. $50 feels like a million indeed to a kid!

Thank you for your support and it’s been lovely to chat with you on your journey even though I know it’s been so hard for you over the past few months. I really hope for you that 2025 brings much healing and peace ☺️

Enjoy the ice cream and the match 3 game and the rest of your evening.

Take care and a big Christmas hug to you 🤗

ER

[indigo22]

That's so strange ER, I just read that quote last night.

I think there is a reason you made a decision not to see your brother when you were in the city staying with a lovely family who showed you what life can be like with the right people. I think you are finally realising that you deserve better than what you have experienced in the past. Why not just text him and say that this is not the right time for a visit and perhaps that leaves the door open if you change your mind later and feel ready to catch up with him. Take care of yourself first, he has a partner to support him.

Big hugs to you,

indigo 💜

[randomxx]

Hi to all and happy Christmas.

Also sorry to about the brother sitch er , what a shame buttt, that's family for you. We have a massive family but l've only spoken to a few through the wk and none today and there was a kind of peace in that tbh. Same with being away this yr.

l only called a couple of brothers earlier and one sister, an odd sister to call me actually , but she called a few days back, dk what came over her ha ha.

Today just my daughter this morng and some back forth with gf ex.

36 here today and last night l'm thinking, l don't think l feel like swimming tomorrow and strangers all around, might have a few showers instead and just stay to myself so l've just kicked about and tried to stay cool , my day ha ha, and not bad either considering l was dreading it.

l didn't expect it today but dozens of new vans and campers turned up all through the day - weird would've thought they'd wait until after Chris day.

At any rate, it's gonna be 40s tom but then there'll be two cooler days high 20s before it goes up again soooo, l'll be leaving here Fridy with a bit of luck and man l can not wait for cooler pastures.

Sick of the herds of people turning up and l'm sick if the heat.

Another one bites the dust

tx

[Eagle Ray]

Thank you indigo. Yes, that’s strange you just read the Robin Williams quote.

I went for a walk late arvo and found a message from my brother on my phone when I got back. That’s the first time he’s left a message on my phone in 3 years. He stopped doing so after the abusive incident with his partner where it felt it was like another one of her manipulative control measures where she was telling him what to do. She did everything she could to drive a wedge between us. So many of his usual behaviours such as leaving a phone message stopped. My brother sounded a bit emotional in the message today. The thing is I know he cares about me even though he can’t communicate it directly. I also know she has messed with him so much. What is hard is reconciling the times he’s really hurt me in awful ways with the parts of him that are a good person. He has the same contradictions as an our mother did. So I will think of something to communicate that is kind, whatever it is. His partner has caused so much pain and destruction to our family. By putting up boundaries over the past week or two, certain things have shifted. He’s asking instead of just ordering/telling me things. He’s actually communicating to me in a phone message instead of just ringing and than not having the courtesy to leave a message if I haven’t been able to answer. Still not sure whether to have him visit, but will listen in to my intuition.

Sorry for writing that all out. It just helps to process it. Christmas really brings out all the issues doesn’t it!

Thank you again indigo for the care and kindness you have given to myself and others.

Hugs,

ER

[Eagle Ray]

Hey, Merry Christmas rx!

It’s nice you’ve had those conversations with a few people. Yes, having showers is a good way to keep cool. I had a few cold showers in Perth when it was 40+ temperatures. That is a surprise people rocking up on Christmas Day. You expect people are usually all settled beforehand. I’m glad the day has worked out ok.

That’ll be hot for you tomorrow but it’ll be good having the cool change after that. It’s been cool and mostly cloudy down here. I went for a walk late arvo. The wind was chilly and not many people on the river except a couple of windsurfers. I could smell people’s barbecues and some people were walking or fishing and a few kids on their bikes, but not as busy outdoors as it would have been if the weather was warmer.

I hope you soon find both cooler and less crowded locations once on your way on Friday. All the very best rx!

ER

[randomxx]

Thanks for that er. Chilly wind would l love to feel that.

l wouldn't be surprised if your brother and w have been fighting, Christmas and family is often a biggie in marriages especially with someone like her. There's been a shift and realizations in him but whether it sticks or amounts to anything later in the end, dk.

Sleep well all.

rx

[Eagle Ray]

Thanks rx,

I’ve seen her throw tantrums at him before. I hope he’s ok. He sounded very vulnerable on the phone message. I did end up texting him. I do not like trying to speak to him on the phone when she’s there as she interferes and it’s very uncomfortable. He and I had a bit of a text conversation that was kind and positive. I said I was ok for him to visit as that felt ok to me intuitively based on him seeming kinder and more present with me at the moment. Will see how that goes. I have to be prepared for old patterns to start up again too.

Sleep well to you and everyone too 😴

[Beaser]

Hi to every one.    

I hope people have got through recent days ok.

Ive found it a bit distressing with all the fires in VIC. 

So hard for everyone involved up there.

I would like to send my love and best wishes to everyone and look forward to hearing more from people.

Beaser

[Eagle Ray]

Hi Beaser,

Yes, the fires are concerning and it is distressing seeing it happen. If I remember correctly I think you were involved in the volunteer fire service at one stage? I do hope maybe some rains come through to help. I briefly visited The Grampians when I was 17 and have always wanted to go back and see them again.

Thank you so much for your love and best wishes and I hope you got to enjoy your Christmas Day. Love and best wishes to you too!

Eagle Ray 

[Beaser]

Thanks ER.

I read where you felt a bit triggered by a text from your brother .  

I hope your feeling ok today .    I know it can be tough to hear from family members at times.

Im fairly disconnected from mine too.    I love them and hope for the best for them but we are not close. 

I think i might follow you and make myself a coffee .    Im just watching the cricket after a visit from a mate of mine. 

I would be interested to hear how yours and others day are going ill check in later.

Sending best wishes and kindness.

Beaser