'Spending Christmas Day alone is so freeing'

For many, Christmas means family gatherings, gifts under the tree and plates piled high with festive food. But for some, the day looks very different – and that is exactly how they want it. Across the West Country, people are stepping away from tradition and creating their own ways to spend 25 December.

Each year on Christmas Day, Adela Mei, 51, from Pilton, Somerset, rides her motorbike through the empty curves of Cheddar Gorge.

"It's so freeing not being involved in the chaos, it's just me, my bike and the gorge," she said.

In Bristol, volunteers with loneliness charity The Marmalade Trust - who would otherwise spend the day on their own - are choosing to host Christmas lunches, saying it turns a "sad day into something positive".

Each year the charity, based in St Pauls, hosts festive meals and does doorstep deliveries as part of its Christmas Cheer project.

Nurse Stephanie Lameri, from Whitchurch, Bristol, said volunteering for her began as a way to avoid her own loneliness.

"I moved here in 2019 and knew I'd be spending Christmas alone if I didn't join," she said.

"I loved it so much I've done it every year since. I bring silly hats and flashing necklaces – anything to break the ice."

Volunteer Beth Candlin says the project helps to fill a personal gap in her life.

"I don't have grandparents anymore and feel that loss at Christmas," she said.

"Spending the day with older people fills that gap for me."

For single parent Louise Palmer, it is about turning a hard day into something positive.

"My children are with their dad, so rather than feeling sad, I decided to do this," she added.

For others, spending Christmas alone offers a welcome break from the festive rush.

Ms Mei, who works as a life coach, said she is used to spending Christmas Day alone.

"My family are abroad, and I work in tech, which can be stressful," she added.

"For me Christmas is peace and quiet – time for going out on my motorbike when there's no one else on the roads."

Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.