Overcoming the Empty Nest at Christmas

Christmas does not have to be sad or boring when the kids have all left home. There is no reason to dread the empty nest. If you are celebrating Christmas without the kids for the first time, you might need a few suggestions to get you started.

1. Choose intimate gifts for each other. It is a good time to get yourselves presents you would not show the kids. Now is the time to get your wife a new lace nightgown or your husband a special shot glass.

2. Sleep in as late as you wish. Your kids will not be there to wake you up at the crack of dawn. You might want to enjoy the comfort of your warm bed for hours.

3. Skip the 20 pound turkey and have an intimate dinner for two. Choose foods you both like and then get into the kitchen to prepare them together. If you want to have bourbon steaks or grilled salmon, you will not have to feel guilty about breaking the kids' traditions.

4. Eat out. If you prefer, you can go to your favorite restaurant for your meal. If you go to a pricier restaurant, it cuts down on the likelihood of having to listen to other people's children.

5. Daydream a little. Spend some quiet time just talking about the things you can do now that you do not have to worry about including the kids. Sip some coffee, tea, or hot chocolate and make it a cozy conversation.

6. Take a day trip. Whether you go to an Amish village, an outlet shopping mall, or a historical landmark, going as an empty nest couple is carefree and fun.

7. Go to the theater. A theater company in your own city might be having performances on Christmas. You might even want to take a trip to Broadway, for a choice of many theater experiences.

8. Enjoy the outdoors. Facing the empty nest is easy if you fill your time with activities like ice skating and skiing. Learn something new like how to make ice sculptures.

9. Go on a cruise. Celebrating Christmas on a cruise is a fantastic way to beat the empty nest blues. A cruise offers lovely dinners, dancing, casinos, and just watching the ocean go by. The shore excursions add even more to the trip, depending on where you go.

10. Get to know other empty nesters. If you have acquaintances that are going through a similar time in their lives, invite them over for a game night or cocktail party.

You do not have to finish with celebrating Christmas day until you are ready. Spend the last moments stretched out in front of the fireplace. You will not be worried about the empty nest or parental responsibilities. It will be the perfect end to a perfect, kid-free day.