A MUM has told how she has spent the last 30 Christmases alone even though she has children.
Teresa Andrews, 64, spends ￡100 on gifts for herself and cooks a full roast to enjoy at her home in Harrow, northwest London.
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Teresa Andrews, 64, spends ￡100 on gifts for herself and cooks a full roast to enjoy at her home in Harrow Credit: SWNS 4
Teresa decorates her home for Christmas Credit: SWNS
The divorcee, whose two children are grown up with their own families, has spent Christmas Day on her own since she split from their dad in 1986.
She said she prefers her own company after arguments forced her to leave the parties of her younger years.
"When I've been to Christmas parties or Christmas dinner before, they always end up in an argument," she said.
"And it just gives me headaches - I've walked out of Christmas parties before."
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Teresa wasn't always so comfortable on her own, and said she struggled at first.
She added: "I got used to being on my own and you become very set in your ways.
"I would find it very hard for anyone to move in now and live with me. I just like being on my own.
"At first it wasn't so grand - I did find it lonely at Christmas at first. But as the years went by and I sort of got used to it."
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Teresa spends Christmas Day listening to festive songs in her pyjamas.
She cooks a roast dinner and allows herself to spend ￡100 on items she needs - although she draws the line at wrapping them.
he said: "I treat myself a bit - last year I bought myself a nice sparkly jumper and I always spend at least ￡100.
"I've got a few bits and pieces for the home this year - a steam iron and some hair straighteners and a new bed spread.
"I don't bother wrapping them for myself - I only wrap the presents for my grandchildren."
Teresa loves Christmas because of "the films, the tinsel, the sparkles" and enjoys eating and watching whatever she decides.
Teresa said: "I have Christmas music on whilst eating as well and I have my own music on a tape and then watch some TV - I'm looking forward to this year's Christmas.
"If I want to sit around in pyjamas all day long I can do that too."
Teresa said her grownup children have their own kids now, so do their own thing.
She said: "They've got their lives, I've got mine. I'm not one for a lot of company anyway.
"I like having one or two around sometimes but not a whole big crowd.
"I'm not a lonely person and at Christmas time I just like to spend it on my own and do what I like."
Teresa said she cooks a roast - but not in the traditional style.
She said: "I do not like the food at all. I don't like turkey, mince pies, parsnips or any of the cakes.
"I don't like the Christmas drinks, so I'm hard to feed at Christmas anyway.
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"So I'll eat lamb or chicken and that for me is a treat."
It comes a tenant revealed they're being evicted on Christmas Day by a Scrooge council.
TERESA'S CHRISTMAS DAY ROUTINE
MORNING
Christmas lie-in
Get up and feed the pets
AFTERNOON
1pm: Put Christmas dinner on
Eat the roast
EVENING
Watch more TV and 'open' presents
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Teresa's Christmas tree is made of LED lights Credit: SWNS 4
Teresa hangs decorations around the home Credit: SWNS