General discussion & info about South Walton, Florida.

All About SoWal

Advertise or find a business, discuss business.

Business & Services

Jobs

Festivals, classes, gatherings, activities.

Events & Music

Food & Dining

Marketplace

property, realtors, builders, development, infrastructure ...

Real Estate

Long Term Rentals

Vacation Rentals

SoWal Lounge

Beach Runner

beats on hood

[QUOTE=Dabell]I don't know what to do for Christmas! I was thinking of coming to Sowal.But it would be just me.My sister
and her family rather stay home. I only have My sister ( My mom and Dad are gone)  She invited me over for Christmas.  Every year  since my divorce I rather not stay home. Last year I spent the hollidays in my home in Sowal alone. I was there from Thanksgiving to Christmas alone then my sister, her kids and my kids came down the 26th to NewYears day, then we all went home to NY. This year no one wants to leave NY.  What do you guys think I should do??????????????[/QUOTE]
 I dunno. The thought of being totally alone scares the hell out of me. Some people like being alone. I despise it. My husband is in Europe right now, my daughter is off at college, and I'm here alone. Even though my standard poodle puppy is a lot of company, it's not like talking to humans. I went to SoWal two weeks ago alone with the puppy, and came back the next day. I was uncomfortable.

But being with a sister and her kids for more than about a day during Christmas (when kids get so hyper) would make me claw my eyeballs out.

I guess I'd rather go to SoWal, dine at the bar at Borago or whatever so at least I'd have someone to talk to (definitely don't dine while reading a book), and drink and walk on the beach a lot.

On the other hand, if you're a hands-on humanitarian sort of person (which I'm not because I'm a germ freak and would rather just write a check), you could do volunteer work in New Orleans and make that your Christmas gift to humanity.

I feel bad for you. I'm lonely a lot and that's bad enough (even thought my husband's travel pays for our lifestyle), but I'm not alone during holidays ... yet. Must be tough.

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="Dabell">I don&#039;t know what to do for Christmas! I was thinking of coming to Sowal.But it would be just me.My sister 
and her family rather stay home. I only have My sister ( My mom and Dad are gone) She invited me over for Christmas. Every year since my divorce I rather not stay home. Last year I spent the hollidays in my home in Sowal alone. I was there from Thanksgiving to Christmas alone then my sister, her kids and my kids came down the 26th to NewYears day, then we all went home to NY. This year no one wants to leave NY. What do you guys think I should do??????????????</blockquote> I dunno. The thought of being totally alone scares the hell out of me. Some people like being alone. I despise it. My husband is in Europe right now, my daughter is off at college, and I&#039;m here alone. Even though my standard poodle puppy is a lot of company, it&#039;s not like talking to humans. I went to SoWal two weeks ago alone with the puppy, and came back the next day. I was uncomfortable. 
 
But being with a sister and her kids for more than about a day during Christmas (when kids get so hyper) would make me claw my eyeballs out. 
 
I guess I&#039;d rather go to SoWal, dine at the bar at Borago or whatever so at least I&#039;d have someone to talk to (definitely don&#039;t dine while reading a book), and drink and walk on the beach a lot. 
 
On the other hand, if you&#039;re a hands-on humanitarian sort of person (which I&#039;m not because I&#039;m a germ freak and would rather just write a check), you could do volunteer work in New Orleans and make that your Christmas gift to humanity. 
 
I feel bad for you. I&#039;m lonely a lot and that&#039;s bad enough (even thought my husband&#039;s travel pays for our lifestyle), but I&#039;m not alone during holidays ... yet. Must be tough.

Rita

margarita brocolia

[QUOTE=Dabell]I don't know what to do for Christmas! I was thinking of coming to Sowal.But it would be just me.My sister
and her family rather stay home. I only have My sister ( My mom and Dad are gone)  She invited me over for Christmas.  .... What do you guys think I should do??????????????[/QUOTE]

If you enjoy your sister and her family, spend some time with them over Christmas.  :idontno:

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="Dabell">I don&#039;t know what to do for Christmas! I was thinking of coming to Sowal.But it would be just me.My sister 
and her family rather stay home. I only have My sister ( My mom and Dad are gone) She invited me over for Christmas. .... What do you guys think I should do??????????????</blockquote> 
If you enjoy your sister and her family, spend some time with them over Christmas. :idontno:

Dabell

Beach Fanatic

[QUOTE=Beach Runner]I dunno. The thought of being totally alone scares the hell out of me. Some people like being alone. I despise it. My husband is in Europe right now, my daughter is off at college, and I'm here alone. Even though my standard poodle puppy is a lot of company, it's not like talking to humans. I went to SoWal two weeks ago alone with the puppy, and came back the next day. I was uncomfortable.

But being with a sister and her kids for more than about a day during Christmas (when kids get so hyper) would make me claw my eyeballs out.

I guess I'd rather go to SoWal, dine at the bar at Borago or whatever so at least I'd have someone to talk to (definitely don't dine while reading a book), and drink and walk on the beach a lot.

On the other hand, if you're a hands-on humanitarian sort of person (which I'm not because I'm a germ freak and would rather just write a check), you could do volunteer work in New Orleans and make that your Christmas gift to humanity.

I feel bad for you. I'm lonely a lot and that's bad enough (even thought my husband's travel pays for our lifestyle), but I'm not alone during holidays ... yet. Must be tough.[/QUOTE]

Thats a good idea!  I don't no about Volunteering  in New Orleans, I had people in my place down thier rent free for 1 1/2 months. They left me with a $200 phone bill , $188 gulfpower bill and a real dirty place.
But maybe something down there or even up here... Thanks!

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="Beach Runner">I dunno. The thought of being totally alone scares the hell out of me. Some people like being alone. I despise it. My husband is in Europe right now, my daughter is off at college, and I&#039;m here alone. Even though my standard poodle puppy is a lot of company, it&#039;s not like talking to humans. I went to SoWal two weeks ago alone with the puppy, and came back the next day. I was uncomfortable. 
 
But being with a sister and her kids for more than about a day during Christmas (when kids get so hyper) would make me claw my eyeballs out. 
 
I guess I&#039;d rather go to SoWal, dine at the bar at Borago or whatever so at least I&#039;d have someone to talk to (definitely don&#039;t dine while reading a book), and drink and walk on the beach a lot. 
 
On the other hand, if you&#039;re a hands-on humanitarian sort of person (which I&#039;m not because I&#039;m a germ freak and would rather just write a check), you could do volunteer work in New Orleans and make that your Christmas gift to humanity. 
 
I feel bad for you. I&#039;m lonely a lot and that&#039;s bad enough (even thought my husband&#039;s travel pays for our lifestyle), but I&#039;m not alone during holidays ... yet. Must be tough.</blockquote> 
Thats a good idea! I don&#039;t no about Volunteering in New Orleans, I had people in my place down thier rent free for 1 1/2 months. They left me with a $200 phone bill , $188 gulfpower bill and a real dirty place. 
But maybe something down there or even up here... Thanks!

OhioBeachBum

I have learned to try to enjoy family as much as possible while they're around, 'cause you never know when they might not be. No matter how rowdy a gaggle of munchkins might be, or how obnoxious a particular relative, such interactions always seem to yield a net positive for me, providing I'm astute enough to look for it... ;-)

I have learned to try to enjoy family as much as possible while they&#039;re around, &#039;cause you never know when they might not be. No matter how rowdy a gaggle of munchkins might be, or how obnoxious a particular relative, such interactions always seem to yield a net positive for me, providing I&#039;m astute enough to look for it... ;-)

seagrovelover

little sugar

Dabell...I would say be with your family, thats really what makes the holidays, not where you are but who you can make some memories with. I think it would be much better than being alone :wub:

Paula

I agree with the post about spending time with family at least over Christmas (especially because you never know how long everyone will be around).  But then you may want to go to SoWal for New Years (or go to New Orleans after Christmas).  Isn't someone planning a party around New Years in SoWal for the people on this message board?

I agree with the post about spending time with family at least over Christmas (especially because you never know how long everyone will be around).  But then you may want to go to SoWal for New Years (or go to New Orleans after Christmas).  Isn&#039;t someone planning a party around New Years in SoWal for the people on this message board?

kathydwells

Darlene is my middle name, not my nickname

Personally, If I had a place in SoWal, no question that is where I would be, and I would bring my family with me. If they didn't want to come, I would come alone. I don't mind being alone. I guess because I don't get to be that often. Perhaps one day I will change my mind when my son has left the nest. Right now I relish those alone times!!!

Personally, If I had a place in SoWal, no question that is where I would be, and I would bring my family with me. If they didn&#039;t want to come, I would come alone. I don&#039;t mind being alone. I guess because I don&#039;t get to be that often. Perhaps one day I will change my mind when my son has left the nest. Right now I relish those alone times!!!

RiverOtter

got any pics?

We thought about SoWal but the kids are hoping for snow in the Nooga.  I tried to explain that the Radon Gas in the Nooga will keep that from happening. :biggrin:

We thought about SoWal but the kids are hoping for snow in the Nooga.  I tried to explain that the Radon Gas in the Nooga will keep that from happening. 😀

Miss Kitty

Meow

[QUOTE=RiverOtter]We thought about SoWal but the kids are hoping for snow in the Nooga.  I tried to explain that the Radon Gas in the Nooga will keep that from happening. :biggrin:[/QUOTE]

hee hee hee

KD you are right on!  Don't worry, your precious boy will follow you no matter where you are for the holidays!!!

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="RiverOtter">We thought about SoWal but the kids are hoping for snow in the Nooga. I tried to explain that the Radon Gas in the Nooga will keep that from happening. 😀</blockquote> 
hee hee hee 
 
KD you are right on! Don&#039;t worry, your precious boy will follow you no matter where you are for the holidays!!!

[QUOTE=Sueshore]hee hee hee
 
KD you are right on! Don't worry, your precious boy will follow you no matter where you are for the holidays!!![/QUOTE]
 
Kids will follow the presents :cool:

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="Sueshore">hee hee hee 
 
KD you are right on! Don&#039;t worry, your precious boy will follow you no matter where you are for the holidays!!!</blockquote> 
Kids will follow the presents :cool:

Mermaid

picky

This is what most of our friends and family do:  they stay around for Christmas and enjoy being with the ones they love.

After Christmas, they scoot!  There's a whole week to play around with between Christmas and New Years, so that gives you time to do what you want.  Why don't you go to your place at the beach with your boyfriend?  Has he ever seen our beach?  If you did that, you'd have the beach AND company that you like.   :razz:

This is what most of our friends and family do: they stay around for Christmas and enjoy being with the ones they love. 
 
After Christmas, they scoot! There&#039;s a whole week to play around with between Christmas and New Years, so that gives you time to do what you want. Why don&#039;t you go to your place at the beach with your boyfriend? Has he ever seen our beach? If you did that, you&#039;d have the beach AND company that you like. :razz:

[QUOTE=Mermaid]This is what most of our friends and family do:  they stay around for Christmas and enjoy being with the ones they love.

After Christmas, they scoot!  There's a whole week to play around with between Christmas and New Years, so that gives you time to do what you want.  Why don't you go to your place at the beach with your boyfriend?  Has he ever seen our beach?  If you did that, you'd have the beach AND company that you like.   :razz:[/QUOTE]
He doest want to leave NY for the hollidays. Been thinking abot going to CA. I really just might take a drive and where I end up I'll do xmas there. I like metting people.

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="Mermaid">This is what most of our friends and family do: they stay around for Christmas and enjoy being with the ones they love. 
 
After Christmas, they scoot! There&#039;s a whole week to play around with between Christmas and New Years, so that gives you time to do what you want. Why don&#039;t you go to your place at the beach with your boyfriend? Has he ever seen our beach? If you did that, you&#039;d have the beach AND company that you like. :razz:</blockquote>He doest want to leave NY for the hollidays. Been thinking abot going to CA. I really just might take a drive and where I end up I&#039;ll do xmas there. I like metting people.

[QUOTE=Dabell]He doest want to leave NY for the hollidays. Been thinking abot going to CA. I really just might take a drive and where I end up I'll do xmas there. I like metting people.[/QUOTE]
 
NY to CA... Hell.... Just enter the Gumball Rally :idontno:

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="Dabell">He doest want to leave NY for the hollidays. Been thinking abot going to CA. I really just might take a drive and where I end up I&#039;ll do xmas there. I like metting people.</blockquote> 
NY to CA... Hell.... Just enter the Gumball Rally :idontno:

[QUOTE=RiverOtter]We thought about SoWal but the kids are hoping for snow in the Nooga.  I tried to explain that the Radon Gas in the Nooga will keep that from happening. :biggrin:[/QUOTE]
Well, glowing in the winter is almost a cool as snow... :biggrin:

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="RiverOtter">We thought about SoWal but the kids are hoping for snow in the Nooga. I tried to explain that the Radon Gas in the Nooga will keep that from happening. 😀</blockquote>Well, glowing in the winter is almost a cool as snow... 😀

[QUOTE=OhioBeachBum]Well, glowing in the winter is almost a cool as snow... :biggrin:[/QUOTE]
 
It's what we have to do in the Nooga :idontno:

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="OhioBeachBum">Well, glowing in the winter is almost a cool as snow... 😀</blockquote> 
It&#039;s what we have to do in the Nooga :idontno:

rosiee7777

scooter

We are having a Christmas Party for everyone on Solwall at Pandoras on Dec 30th at 6.00pm ,
Bring a wrapped gift for the raffle.
I am taking rsvp's and will post again to remind people after Thanksgiving, so far i have about 18 peole respond and if they all bring a date it should be fun. We usually have a good time there on Friday night's so come along and join us ! :welcome:

We are having a Christmas Party for everyone on Solwall at Pandoras on Dec 30th at 6.00pm , 
Bring a wrapped gift for the raffle. 
I am taking rsvp&#039;s and will post again to remind people after Thanksgiving, so far i have about 18 peole respond and if they all bring a date it should be fun. We usually have a good time there on Friday night&#039;s so come along and join us ! :welcome:

Smiling JOe

SoWal Expert

[QUOTE=rosiee7777]We are having a Christmas Party for everyone on Solwall at Pandoras on Dec 30th at 6.00pm ,
Bring a wrapped gift for the raffle.
I am taking rsvp's and will post again to remind people after Thanksgiving, so far i have about 18 peole respond and if they all bring a date it should be fun. We usually have a good time there on Friday night's so come along and join us ! :welcome:[/QUOTE]

I have to shuffle the calendar around a bit for a trip out west around that time, but tentatively, count me in. That reminder will be helpful.:D

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="rosiee7777">We are having a Christmas Party for everyone on Solwall at Pandoras on Dec 30th at 6.00pm , 
Bring a wrapped gift for the raffle. 
I am taking rsvp&#039;s and will post again to remind people after Thanksgiving, so far i have about 18 peole respond and if they all bring a date it should be fun. We usually have a good time there on Friday night&#039;s so come along and join us ! :welcome:</blockquote> 
I have to shuffle the calendar around a bit for a trip out west around that time, but tentatively, count me in. That reminder will be helpful.😀

Kurt

Admin

Nothing like waking up on New Year's Eve with a HO. :roll: :lol: 
 
Put it on the [url="http://www.sowal.com/bb/calendar.php?month=12&year=2005&c=1&do=displaymonth"]calendar[/url].

Nothing like waking up on New Year&#039;s Eve with a HO. :roll: :lol: 
 
Put it on the <a href="http://www.sowal.com/bb/calendar.php?month=12&amp;year=2005&amp;c=1&amp;do=displaymonth" target="_blank" class="link link--external" rel="noopener">calendar</a>.

So, Dabell, what did you decide about Christmas? I'm so sorry about your situation.

So, Dabell, what did you decide about Christmas? I&#039;m so sorry about your situation.

I don't know what to do for Christmas! I was thinking of coming to Sowal.But it would be just me.My sister
and her family rather stay home. I only have My sister ( My mom and Dad are gone)  She invited me over for Christmas.  Every year  since my divorce I rather not stay home. Last year I spent the hollidays in my home in Sowal alone. I was there from Thanksgiving to Christmas alone then my sister, her kids and my kids came down the 26th to NewYears day, then we all went home to NY. This year no one wants to leave NY.  What do you guys think I should do??????????????

I don&#039;t know what to do for Christmas! I was thinking of coming to Sowal.But it would be just me.My sister 
and her family rather stay home. I only have My sister ( My mom and Dad are gone) She invited me over for Christmas. Every year since my divorce I rather not stay home. Last year I spent the hollidays in my home in Sowal alone. I was there from Thanksgiving to Christmas alone then my sister, her kids and my kids came down the 26th to NewYears day, then we all went home to NY. This year no one wants to leave NY. What do you guys think I should do??????????????

Christmas is coming!

Grayton BeachCam

Dune Allen BeachCam

Seagrove Beach SkyCam

Inlet BeachCam

Miramar BeachCam Majestic Sun

Santa Rosa BeachCam

Walton County Fair

The Red Bar Jazz Band

Cars of 30A At Alys Beach: Event Highlights & Photo Gallery

Sixth annual Run Watersound At Watersound Town Center October 24, 2026

Support Our Parks: The 2026 Friends of Camp Helen Pumpkin Patch Is Open

Annual Events and Festivals in South Walton

International Coastal Cleanup Day Was A Success In South Walton

Merchants Of Alys Beach Announce New Dining & Shopping Options

No beachcams yet

More cams

Include enough context for a reply on the first pass: who you are, what this is about, and anything time-sensitive we should know.

Write a clear note and we will route it fast

SoWal Contact Form

What helps the SoWal team reply on the first pass

Use these links when your request already has a clear destination.

Prefer a direct route before you write?

Use this when you are not sure where your request belongs and need the SoWal team to route it.

Questions, corrections, and quick help

Share newsworthy updates, corrections, community tips, or photography that can improve SoWal coverage.

Story tips, local leads, and photos

Reach the team for business visibility, partnership planning, or other commercial opportunities.

Listings, sponsorships, and business requests

Use this path for media coordination, press follow-ups, or requests that need a communications contact.

Press outreach and interview requests

Tell us what you need and how to reach you.

Send your note here and the SoWal team will route it appropriately.

Choose the quickest route for your message

Forum account areas

Log in to view member profile, alerts, messages, watched content, bookmarks, preferences, and staff tools.

Member-only forum areas use your SoWal forum account.

Use your forum username or email to post, reply, follow threads, and manage your account.

Log in to the forum

Log in to the SoWal forum

Find people and visit their public forum profiles.

Members

Enter the six-digit code sent to {email}.

Check your email

Join the conversation

Welcome to SoWal

Sign in to SoWal

Signature preview

Ads support our local stories, BeachCams, and community guides. If you use an ad blocker, allow SoWal, then check again.

Help keep SoWal local

Your feedback helps us make SoWal better.

How was this story?

Get local stories, events, and South Walton highlights in your inbox.

Stay close to the coast

Choose whether SoWal may use optional cookies. Necessary cookies keep the site working.

Your privacy, your choice

Site navigation

Submenu

Bite-sized stories, curated itineraries, and community events delivered to your inbox on the regular.

Christmas is coming!

Latest conversations

Write a reply

Cars of 30A At Alys Beach: Event Highlights & Photo Gallery

Sixth annual Run Watersound At Watersound Town Center October 24, 2026

Support Our Parks: The 2026 Friends of Camp Helen Pumpkin Patch Is Open

Annual Events and Festivals in South Walton