You never forget the first Christmas that you had in your own home. If you are living alone for the first time, it can be a scary prospect. If you are newlyweds then you can, or rather should, plan things together. Whatever your circumstances, your first Christmas in your home can be very enjoyable.

So you're single and living alone. You may wonder, what is the point of decorating the place just for yourself, but you really should. It's easy to feel left out of the whole Christmas thing if you're on your own, so you need to get in there. Go to all the parties that you are invited to, throw a party of your own. Invite people to share Christmas day with you, nobody wants to be alone at Christmas, and nobody should be.

If this is your first Christmas alone, perhaps you've just separated or widowed, you may just feel like hibernating until it's all over. This is a particularly difficult time of year if this is why you're alone, but that's what friends are for. Make an effort, it may seem too much of an effort, but you will feel better. If you have recently separated, try not to think negative thoughts about your ex partner. This will completely dampen your Christmas spirit and make it very difficult for anyone to be around you.

If you are invited to a party, go. Just promise yourself that you won't mention them while you're there. These people have made the effort and requested your company; don't spoil their party for them. If you aren't going to bother with Christmas dinner just for yourself, invite people round for the evening. When you look back on your first Christmas in your own home, you don't want those memories to be miserable.

If this is your first Christmas in your own home as one half of a couple, it can be very exciting. Buying your first tree together and choosing the decorations can make you feel like children again. If you want to spend your first Christmas day together with just the two of you that's fine, but remember your families may be missing you terribly. Try and visit them if you can, or even invite them over for Christmas dinner. Christmas is a time for families and celebrations, so if you're invited to a party or get together, go. Your little Christmas love nest will still be there when you get home. Make the best of both worlds - go round celebrating and enjoying the company of others, and then go back to your own little retreat.