Can I rent a family for the holidays?

Question

I don't have any family and the holidays are coming around. My Father died a few years ago and my Mother is an alcoholic with severe mental issues and even though I have gone to her home for the holidays in the past, it always ended with her getting really drunk and being mean and there is always a fight.

I always seemed to have a boyfriend so going to their family's home for the holidays seemed like a nice option but this is the first year I am single. Thanksgiving is a month a way and I have no idea where I am going to go. Soon after is Christmas, etc....

I am getting the feeling that I am going to spend the holidays very alone and it makes me sad. I will have no one to eat with or exchange presents with. I know it sounds stupid but I was thinking because I had such a dysfunctional family growing up, maybe I could experience the holidays with a nice, normal family. Does anyone know of a family rental service?

Answer 1

I know some people who would love to spend the holidays with you. They are the elderly in the Assisted Living Centers. Many of them are lonely too, and some of them don't have any living family members to spend their holidays with either. Depending on what your budget is, they appreciate gifts like warm socks, fruit, lotions, hand-made crafts and so forth. Spending your holidays with other people who are lonely will bless your heart and theirs! God bless you!!!

Answer 2

We all have our "issues" with our own families and I can definitely relate to what you've described here regarding your own family and circumstances. You can't pick the family that you're born into or the way things fall into place, but you can focus on the future in a positive manner. It's always made me feel good to give back to others...those that are less fortunate and by doing so, it makes me realize my life isn't nearly as bad as I thought it was to begin with. When I've found myself in a similar circumstance as you've described here for the holidays...I would make it about others and not myself...which made being without family easier to accept. I've volunteered to feed the homeless, to deliver food for the Meals On Wheels Program, I adopted a family for the hoidays that couldn't afford presents for their children and have spent time feeding the elderly at an old folks home. It's up to you what you wish to do...just check out your local area to see what's available, but don't sit around and feel sorry for yourself. Instead...do something that will make a difference and will make someone else's holiday. You'll be surprised what you will get out of it in the end. God bless!

Answer 3

i agree with Virginia B also i have heard of ppl putting an ad in the paper just stating your age and stuff and that you are looking to be adopted and not just for the holiday season you can ask them to send an application stating they're likes, dislikes, telling a little about there family, religious beliefs (if that is important to you) hobbies and why they would be a good family for you, along with family photos to your address (i would use a p.o. box for security reasons). and don't forget to ask for refrences :)This way the family gets a good laugh (you know they are fun risk takers) and you find a family :) when you do find them you can meet a couple of times in a public place and after a while maybe tell them your story of your real family and why you went looking for a knew family

Answer 4

I have known kids that were almost in your situation. My girls' friends.
One girl lived down the road from us with her parents and in Dec she was living with us even though her parents were only a mile away. I told her she had to go to their house for a little while on Christmas and left my door unlocked so she could get in if she wanted to leave there.
A couple years ago I got up on New Years day and there were 2 teenagers sleeping in my living room. One was staying with his brother because his parents had kicked him out and his brother was going out to a party and didn't want him there alone. The girl's dad had kicked her out at 3 am in the cold so she called my daughter to come and get her. One other girl lived with us for 6 monthes because she didn't like the guy her mother was living with. These were all kids between 15 and 17. So I always have extra gifts under my Christmas tree for some unfortunate person, usually candy, that way if no one shows up I eat it.
Why don't you come here.

Answer 5

why can't you, put an add in the grocery stores, convenit stores or paper, asking for a family to spend the holidays with, you may be surprised at the respons you get!!!! there is a lot of people that can not be with family during the holidays, or don't have any to be with (like you) and most of them would love someone to cook for!!!! maybe an elderly couple!!!! try it!!! you may find a family that will in a sence adopt you as one of there own, if i was you i would give it a try!!! you really have nothing to loose!!!! (right!!!)

Answer 6

I am sorry to hear about your family. I know it can be hard for you, but You can volunteer at your local homeless shelter. I hear they are always needing volunteers during the holidays. I think that would be something you can do and Im sure you'd feel alot better knowing your devoting your time to those who dont have anyone either.

Answer 7

Try spending the holidays with friends, or extended family. Even if you're not religious, usually churches or synagogues have holiday meals you can spend with other people, even college campuses.

Answer 8

You can't rent people and your first option sounds good

Answer 9

You have no family at all? Any where?

Answer 10

this is sad, but i dont think u can rent a family