janni I am sorry you are having a hard time at this time. Perhaps you can do activities to meet people and create a support system for yourself. I know being alone can suck especially during holidays. Please contact your local senior center and see what activities they have to offer. Many have transportation programs to transport you to and from centers. I do not know your current living arrangements perhaps relocating to a senior complex will provide you with opportunity to meet and form new friendships.

I am a daughter of senior parents. I also feel sad and worried abt my aging parents however I think we need to take care of ourselves regardless of age. It is our own heart we need to look into. I mean your children have lives of their own too. I just told my mom that she shdnt depend and control her children how are now all adults on the average aged 37! She still cdnt let go. Same with my dad.. Pls try to find something u like doing. That ifbyour children ask you to join them and do something it is just a bonus for you. Certainly it is not easy too on us worrying about parets all the time. We all have to do self care

i am sorry that happened you know the good ole us of a is the only civilized country to neglect the aging parent , call it what you will japan and other countries share their home time and possessions with the aging and give them actually more and more respect,, it is a cultural thing i am sorry to hear,, you are not alone ,,,,

I have been a widow for going on 8 years. I have found that Christmas Eve is much better for families to visit a widowed parent. I almost always spend Christmas Day alone. You get used to it, it's just another day! The married kids have to be with their in laws at sometime during the holidays so be prepared! Have some food there that you love and if you have Netflix or Amazon, you can find some good movies to watch! BE GOOD TO YOURSELF, buy something that you have been wanting to have!! I bought a portable charger for my iPhone which will come in handy when the power is out during the winter! Be creative and don't be afraid to SPOIL YOURSELF!! KK

KK I love what you've said and you are absolutely correct...spoil yourself.

Get involved with your local rec center. Take a class and meet people. Or join a church. Plenty of social opportunities out there.

"Join a church". I have been telling myself that ever since my husband passed away. I am deaf and a lip reader, have been searching for a church with an ASL INTERPRETER, but there are none in this town. I want a REAL CHURCH, not just a prayer meeting in someone's basement!! Why is it so hard?!?

Thank you KK! I love your response, and that is exactly how I do things. Netflix and Hulu are my friends! HaHa! I often remember how my grandmother did her "old age". She never demanded attention of any kind from my parents or us. She worked part time at her own business until she was in her late eighties. She also had energy and strength issues, like I have. From all appearances, her life worked for her, even though she was alone.

My grandmother and I were kindred spirits, and, after I became single, and my children grew up and left, I fashioned my gathering years after hers. I have come to the realization that aging is the pits, and these definitely are NOT "golden years". I am sure my grandmother felt the same way, but still maintained an even, cheerful attitude.

It is what it is when our children grow up and become involved with their own lives. My grandmother had her own life of piano teaching, a few friends, some church, and a lot of tv. That's me too, even though I never would have predicted it 50 years ago.

Hi! I feel for you. It's tough when you are along on Holidays.
I see my Daughter on Christmas Eve (along w/my Grandkids). They celebrate Christmas Day at their home.
We always celebrated Christmas Eve, Midnight Mass and had our very own family on Christmas Day. It was Open House on Christmas Eve. Although anyone was welcome on Christmas Day (if they weren't able to be w/family, or even had no family).
Our custom is that an empty chair was always there. It represents that Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus were turned away.
I live in an Independent Seniors' Bldg., and many do not have family....but there are "friends" who get together in our Dining Room.
Believe me! It is NOT SAD! We have a great time. Every year is different. See, each of us brings our own customs to the group. It's so nice to share ideas and ideals for Christmas.
There are people and places to go while grown daughter, son, whatever - celebrate their way at their home.
Start your own Holiday Celebrations.....it is not easy to make friends; but it is WORTH IT !!
I wish you health and happiness and love.
Take care.

my kids are in 2 different states and never see them on holidays . just me and hubby

My kids all live a fair distance away, so I rarely see them. Over the years you get used to being alone and doing things alone, it isnt so bad and can have some good points. I have a lot of interests, reading, gardening, pets, and I have come to enjoy my solitude. Just because its Christmas or Easter don't feel down, appreciate each day no matter what it is. Life shouldn't depend on others, look after yourself, take care. p.s....if I am going through a rough patch I love to watch reruns of the golden girls, they always cheer me up.

Always try to focus on the positive things. And when you are home alone and not feeling the best get up and leave (even on Christmas) always makes me feel better.