Image courtesy of Dale Rogerson
It’s picture-perfect. Instagram ready.
The table set for twelve. Silver napkins. Crackers glittering gold. Fairy lights twinkle from the tree in the corner.
I bubble Processco into glasses before straightening the place cards, each name written in cursive script.
With my phone I snap a selfie, chin tilted, eyes wide, mouth pouting. Santa hat balanced cutely upon my glossy hair.
Can’t wait for you guys to arrive!!! #YouKnowWhoYouAre
Immediately the ‘likes’ start rolling in but today I don’t care.
There’s nobody coming.
Again.
I weep as I pack everything away.
850k followers and I’m alone.
Always alone.
Merry Christmas.
This time of year can bring immense joy but it can also be the cause of unimaginable sadness. Let’s all look out for each other. Check on your friends, your neighbours, your family. Pick up the phone instead of commenting on a post. Social media can be distorted. Misleading. Above everything, Christmas should be a time for caring. Kindness is contagious, be a carrier.
‘A Social Media Christmas’ was written for Friday Fictioneers. A weekly challenge to write a 100-word piece of flash fiction, inspired by a photo prompt. Hosted by the fabulous Rochell Wisoff-Fields, you can read the other entries and/or join in yourself here.
fabricating fiction 
The sad truth for too many. Liked your message!
Thank you.
The pretence for social media makes it all the worse – I wonder how many of those Christmas Tree pictures are hiding such a truth. Hope you have a great festive season Louise 🙂
You too Iain.
Superbly crafted tale depicting the painful reality for many.
Thanks. It was uncomfortable to write but I get so sad thinking of anyone alone this time of year.
Such a beautiful, sad story and probably closer to the truth than we imagine!
Sadly so I fear.
A wonderful piece, Louise, reminding us that human warmth is so much more than clicking “like”
Thanks Neil. If this story makes one person pick up the phone I’ll be so grateful.
Wow, this is a poignant piece. I am always a little wary of IG influencers and their managed public persona. There’s something unreal about the whole thing. Well done. You can really feel for the narrator.
Thanks. Social media is an odd place, perhaps Insta most of all. It’s a lot to live up to.
Dear Louise,
I fear this is true of many social media folk. Living large on Instagram and Twitter while sitting down to a Christmas dinner of one. Well written and heartbreaking. I hope your holiday isn’t like that.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thanks Rochelle. I’m thankful I have all three of my boys home for this Christmas but appreciate others aren’t quite so lucky.
Well written and oh-so-true for so many. For too many, really. I wish those who feel the need for pretense will find a way to reach out to 3D humans — there are always those who can use a visit in shelters, in nursing homes, in hospitals and soup kitchens … where it need not be picture perfect but can make all the difference in the world for both visitor and visited. I hope those who are lonely during the holidays, find a real way to be with others. Social media is delightful (as our blog posts and sharing writings exemplify) but it is no substitute for connection, if one does not have that in ‘real life’ in some way or form.
You’ve captured the reality of cyber-loneliness very well. Wishing you happy, real-people-filled holidays! Na’ama
Thanks for reading and your comments are so true. Nothing online can be a substitute for real conversations. Wishing you a peaceful Christmas.
You are welcome, and … yes … while friendships and real relationships can begin online, it is still important to have them either ‘evolve’ to real life friendships or to have friendships and connections with ‘real life’ people … We are social beings and we’re meant to connect.
Peace and joy to you, too! 🙂
I somehow guessed the ending.
That’s the sad reality. How many followers would turn up if an 850K star is on the hospital bed…?
X’Mas wishes in advance!
It’s such an odd world. Merry Christmas!
This is so heartbreaking, Louise. Simply because so many are putting out a fake life out there for all to see. Ii truly do hope at least one picks up the phone (at least) and reaches out to someone real…
Beautifully and poignantly done.
Me too. ❤️
Somehow I knew that perfect picture wasn’t picture perfect. That’s why they call it fakebook. I see fakebook and other social media as a real barrier to intimacy. Excellent story and a sad truth for too many…
It is. Thanks for reading
You are welcome 🙂
such a heart breaking story Louise, but most probably the truth from our social media generations….
Sadly so
This was great, thank you. And you’re so right about the huge gap between reality and social media. Also thanks for the reminder to check in on each other – it’s badly needed at the moment.
It is. Thanks Siobhan
This is so well-written, so touching. Never take for granted that everyone is having a happy, family/friends-filled day.
Very true. Thanks
That’s so sad. The external social media persona so different from the reality.
It is. Thanks for reading
Beautifully written, Louise. #youknowwhoyouare is inspired! I like the specific number of followers, too – it adds verisimilitude. In fact, the story felt so real that I was relieved to read in the comments that you were expecting all three of your boys this Christmas.
It isn’t me but it could be any of us realty. I hate to think of anyone alone at Christmas.
There are far too many people lonely at Christmas – she should go out and find them to ease her own heartache.
Indeed. Thanks for reading Liz
Very good reminder to reach out to others. A tragically true story for many who suffer during the holidays. I hope you have a meaningful and happy Christmas with family and friends, Louise.
Thank you Brenda. You too.
sounds like a good advice. happy holidays.
You too!
Yep, social media is all very well and good but if you’re only living for the ‘likes’ you get, your life is pretty shallow. Very well done. Louise. Hope you have a fantastic Christmas and a great New Year
Thanks Lynn. You too.
I wonder, do we expect too much at Christmas time. Not being together with friends and family at this time is sad enough – but no friends what-so-ever is extremely sad.
It is!
Good point, sensitively made. Social media has brought new depth to the term “superficial.” 😊
It has
Wishing you well this Christmas
Thanks!