Yes, I spent Christmas alone. No, that's not a reason to pity me.

If a person moved to Argentina on his/her own, by the end of the year he or she would likely receive dozens of invitations to celebrate Christmas and New Year's at the home of some argentine family. For an immigrant in the first world, things work differently. Last Christmas, I winded up by myself. What if I told you I had an amazing time?
When I was growing up, I spent Christmas and New Years quite traditionally.  In my home country, Christmas is celebrated on December 24th. Families get together for late dinner and wait for Christmas. The big meal usually includes: stuffed eggs, stuffed tomatoes, chicken and salads. Ice cream for desert. At midnight, when Christmas officially begins, the presents are opened. Then some families go to the streets and light fireworks and firecrackers (Because in South America many idiots say -Happy Birthday, Jesus- by spending lots of money to make a tremendous noise that causes unimaginable panic to animals, kills birds, and disturbs the sick and the elderly who are trying to sleep). There are also late-night holiday treats, such as sweet bread and turron. For New Years Eve, it's not unusual to have a big dinner at some friend's home. 'Christmas is spent with family, New Years, with friends' is a sacred tradition for many. The leftovers of Christmas and New Years' eve often last for a week. 
For most children of divorce, both holidays must be split between mom and dad. Perhaps dinner with one parent, opening presents and after-dinner snacks with the other. Or the eve with one, and the next day with the other. But my parents had no problem getting together for Christmas eve, New Years' or any other occasion where families share a big meal together. (Easter, May Revolution Day, Independence Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Labour Day... etc). Sometimes, my mom and I would travel to Buenos Aires to spend Christmas or New Years with her family. Other times, we would celebrate with the immense family of my mom's best friend, Vera. Vera's daughter happened to be my childhood best friend, Linda.
On January 1st of 2008, around one in the morning, with the neighbours' fireworks still raging in the sky, my father died of lung cancer after two days of agony. After that, the holidays were never the same. In Mar del Plata, my mom, my aunt Betty (dad's sister) and me were the only ones left. The holidays didn't seem like a celebration with only three people at the table. It was just too depressing. I tried to liven up the holidays by suggesting going out for dinner on Christmas Eve, but it was too expensive.  Holidays in Buenos Aires also changed since Grandma Catherine (mom's mom) died in 2003, since she was the glue that held all the family together. Also, I suddenly lost interest in celebrating special occasions at Vera's.  Most of the people of my age in those gatherings were big overachievers, with serious romantic relationships started in their early 20's. So successful at a young age. I felt so very small around them. I had no university degree then, no job, no relationship.   
My first holidays all on my own were when I lived in Colorado, in 2009. Then, I didn't celebrate.  On December 24th I went Ice skating in the morning, and I gave Mexican food a chance eating some tacos on the street. On the evening I had a drink with other foreigners living in my building just for a little while. The next day, I woke up with a terrible case of bronchitis. Not to mention that it'd been a year since my father's death. Needleless to say, I skipped the holiday cheer.
On Christmas 2017, I was all alone again. Except, this time, I was determined to have a great time. On December 24th, I went to London.
The first thing I did was to visit London's Cat Village. It's a café with cats. About a dozen of furry friends walked around, or just rested next to me, while I enjoyed a coffee and some chocolate cake. I took dozens of pictures of the gorgeous felines (you are allowed if you don't use flash), with my brand new professional camera. I was already familiar with the place, since I had visited it in a previous trip. I absolutely love it. If there was a café with cats here in Birmingham, I'd go every weekend.
Afterwards, I took a walk around central London. I saw the Christmas tree in Trafalgar square, where I spotted a group of Hispanic tourist taking a tour. I visited the beautiful Christmas market in Leicester Square, which was packed with people from all over the world. I had fun overhearing some conversations in Spanish with a Mexican accent. I took a lot of pictures, with many unsuspecting visitors inevitably on the shot, giving life to the photos. (I dare you to visit such a touristic place and take pictures without anyone photo-bombing them!). 
By dinner time, I headed to TGI Fridays, where I had reservations for one. I enjoyed a magnificent three-course meal. 
The next day, it was the day Christians celebrate the birth of our lord and saviour. So, I found a Methodist Church, I went to the Christmas service.
After worshiping, it was lunch time. I had reservations in Bella Italia, one of my favourite restaurants. The meal was amazing. The best part was having Italian food on Christmas, which is not usually done in my home country. I broke tradition enjoying pasta carbonara, with tiramisu for dessert.
Now, there isn't that much to do in London on Christmas day, since all the main attractions are closed. An ice rink was open, but it's too far from where I was. However, I was able to catch a movie, The Battle Of The Sexes, which tells the story of the legendary tennis match between  Billy Jean King and Bobby Riggs. Unlike the first movie of the same topic, 'When Billy Beat Bobby', 'Battle Of the Sexes' deals with Billy Jean King's affair with a female hairdresser and the fact that she still hadn't come out as lesbian at the time of the match. This made it far more interesting.
The following day, I had a blast visiting Winter Wonderland. The theme park is very beautiful. I admit it was crowded and disgustingly expensive, but I had an amazing time.
I started Ice-skating, which I hadn't done in years. At first, I felt very insecure, so I rented a training aid that I could hold on to, and it was properly shaped as a penguin. But, after a few minutes, it all came back to me. I felt confident and was able to continue skating without aid. Loved it!
Then, more winter fun visiting the Ice bar: a beautiful bar where everything is completely made of ice, even the glass. It was quite early for a bar, so I was the only one there... but I didn't care at all. I was able to take all the pictures I wanted without anyone getting in the way. I had a strawberry daiquiri. Usually, having a drink slightly before noon is a sign of alcoholism, but, hey, if you are outside the city where you live it's called... vacations! 
I had lunch at the Christmas market within the park. Then I went to an ice-skating show: Cinderella On Ice. I watched the talented performers as they told the story of Cinderella while gracefully skating, jumping, spinning and doing complex stunts. For someone whose biggest accomplishment while ice-skating is not needing the aid, watching them was absolutely breath-taking. I was at awe.
Later, I headed to an exhibit of beautiful ice sculptures. The theme was 'underwater'. There were fishes, sharks, sea plants, scuba divers, mermaids, mythical sea monsters and even Poseidon,  all made of ice.
After a fun day at the park, I headed to Oxford street to take advantage of  the Boxing Day sales. Lots of crazy people doing the same thing!! It was madness, but I managed to get two dresses and two sweaters half prize.
People are so afraid to do things on their own. Society tell us that we are not enough on our own, that we NEED other people. I'm telling you, that's a lie. Having a good time by yourself can be just as rewarding, with the plus of having absolute freedom. Such freedom, such state of peace, is something I miss when I travel with my family.
Call me anti-social, if you want. I'll call it... being happy with your own company.