Christmas Alone - Vanlife Winter Camping in Canada

How I spent Christmas 2023 by myself in Canada, winter camping.
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Matthew Allen
Unit # 112
440, 10816 Macleod Trail S.E.
Calgary, AB Canada
T2J 5N8
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My name is Matthew and I live in a van. I lost my job due to "cut backs" from the pandemic of 2020 and decided to seriously restructure my life. I am also a single dad who needed to find a solution that would allow me to remain in my daughter's life and plan for her future. After tons of research into #vanlife, I knew it was for me.
From March 2021 until October 2021 I spent my days building out my Chevrolet Express 2500, which came to be known as "Lucky" and as of October 18, 2021 I have been living in Lucky full time.
The build was done with almost no experience on my end and I used the one incredible tool I had at my disposal - the internet - to learn what I needed to build Lucky into a very comfortable tiny home.
I have always had a bit of a passion for being in front of the camera and really enjoy capturing the world around us. This really played into how I was feeling after almost a year of working from home when I "commuted" from the bedroom to the couch. I was starting to feel extremely unhealthy, unmotivated and despondent. I HATED that, and that's not a word I like to throw around. This new lifestyle gives me opportunities I just didn't have before and I am so excited to be able to share it all with you.
I truly believe we all have the capabilities to turn our lives around, should we choose to do so - and if I can inspire you to shoot for something better then I have done a decent job and that will keep me going.
There is more to life than the consume, consume, spend, spend lifestyle I feel we have all been conditioned to follow and I just want to do the best I can for myself first and foremost. Our time is limited and I do not want to waste another second on a lifestyle that doesn't bring me joy!
Be Happy, Be Creative, Be Yourself and BE POSITIVE!

[@Trace-kf2ly]

People forget you can be alone and not be lonely. A lot of people confuse the two. I’ve been in Relationships that made me feel far lonelier than when I’m on my own ❤ Glad to see you can enjoy your own company as well as be with others

[@JustCameronAndHisJeep]

Sometimes you can be lonely in a crowded room too. It's nice to know that sometimes someone is listening (no, not "Him") - You're not alone in this van (so to speak).

[@canadianwarrior2976]

Sorry, thats wrong, you simply can not be.

[@dsmale7067]

@@canadianwarrior2976, you simply don’t understand, but that’s ok 😊

[@charlene5461]

I've been in relationships that time spent with them was so sad and self serving on their part that it literally drained my soul😢 You're absolutely right!! Being alone does not automatically mean you're lonely just as being with someone automatically takes loneliness away...it don't!

[@user-fb1on7ie4z]

I live alone, since my cat died at the end of May, but I have a granddaughter the same age as Brooklyn. I got up early Christmas morning and went to my son’s house so I could watch her open her presents. I treasure those moments while she is still young enough to believe in the magic of Christmas. Happy holidays to the both of you and the rest of your family.

[@dross24MA]

How lovely to have family to share the day with you😊

[@pattimarsh2332]

Get another pet

[@user-fb1on7ie4z]

@@dross24MA❤

[@dallastrujillo7540]

Sorry about your kitty. Hugs.

[@lindasams6058]

I don't want to sound negative or anything but maybe you need to change your Christmas and start your own tradition to celebrate your van life celebrate enjoying getting to do what you want to do and you like to do that's what I'll do when I come out I will start my own tradition. I'm 71 years old so I've had a Lotta Christmases with family but now it's time for me to start my own traditions❤

[@glennarussell4682]

Now at age 68, an empty nester and widow, I find myself in a world that I don't recognize. Waking each day and retiring each night, alone. Visiting family and friends fills my cup, it's the times in between those visits that empties it again. I can only strive to arrive. Thumbs up and love from S. California.

[@dross24MA]

Peace and courage to you on this rest of your journey. May the Universe be your canvas.

[@cjmedia1725]

I’m in SoCal too. 👋🏼

[@leec.7168]

I’m in SoCal as well

[@valeriaproductions]

I enjoyed spending time in my camper with my cat Lazarus. This is the first xmas since my partner died. I needed the alone time. It's never a bad thing to have time to yourself.

[@Jakori1977]

I’m so sorry for you loss dear ❤

[@valeriaproductions]

@@Jakori1977 Thank you. He was wonderful.

[@mscattale]

🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@Valerygallery]

Sending you love and hugs.❤

[@PixieTayls]

So sorry🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@genieabbi2531]

Wow i didn't realize that we all are loners, but, we all are together. Thank you Matthew for bringing us together!

[@JustCameronAndHisJeep]

I'm a rental! I mean, you'll always wonder what happened in the back seat, but I'm cleaned up more often.

[@Trace-kf2ly]

*groan. (Dad joke)​​⁠@@JustCameronAndHisJeep

[@JLG57]

Matt, I lost my older sister, who I lived with, in April, and although I spent Christmas day with some family members, I was alone the rest of the holidays. The type of emotions you felt sound very similar to those I've had going through my head over the last few days and I just want to say "thank you" for making me realise that I'm not alone in this loneliness. I feel now and that I just need to learn to live my life a little differently to the past. I wish you so much more happiness for the future; you so deserve it. Happy 2024🎉

[@JustCameronAndHisJeep]

❤‍🩹 We care about each other (mostly 😊 ) here. I've been alone for a a couple or more years after my daughter found her partner. I chose to be alone on Christmas Day because the only offer, the last time I was there for Christmas Day, was a toxic experience. It doesn't make it easier. but we Luckies need to stick together. We like to stick together. Maybe Matthew needs to add a t-shirt with "We're Lucky to be Luckies!" or "The dark side is not welcome in Lucky. We are the light." Okay, now everyone chant, together, "One of us. One of us. One of us." No, Matthew, this is not inspiration to become a cult. You've built a community. Thank you for that.

[@HeatherBDentureDiVa]

Dude that's awesome! I would totally watch a movie on the outside of a van with a fire going!

[@007nadineL]

Very clever

[@naturegirl5681]

Nothing like a roaring fire, snacks and a good ole classic movie out in the wilderness winter majesty❤❤❤

[@guyintie3326]

I'm born and raised in Calgary, I actually found your channel Christmas day. Whenever your down just remember your doing something great with KZbin. Hope to see you around the city some day

[@abeach5420]

Hiya ...I cannnnot rec. that you attempt to journey back over our fav Matthews all so many vids (two Ts btw, it is a THING hehe). Or playlists on his buildout etc ...omg also when he has sweet baby Brooklyn chatting and carrying on it is just too funny. He deserves all so many more subs and is very much the content creator master. I cannot keep up.

[@TheLeopardGirl]

The cinematography in this video was outstanding!!! You captured the essence of Christmas within that white expansive wilderness of peace and tranquility. Great work Matthew!😊

[@dross24MA]

Your comments "nailed it", as did his cinematography. All they need now is something more than a mere "thumbs up"... (Tee hee hee...?)

[@arleneesserine1766]

you are never alone we are always here

[@jimboyes5418]

Hey Matthew, just wanted to say thank you for sharing your life with us! Christmas has always been my favorite holiday but this was the first one since my divorce and it hit me very hard. I woke up in a one bedroom apartment by myself, no decorations or anything. So thank you for giving us videos to smile at, laugh at and just a reason to sit and watch to get away from real life for a short time…you don’t know how much you’re appreciated! Hope you had a very Merry Christmas and I hope you have a very Happy and Healthy New Year! I can’t wait to see what kind of shenanigans you, Lucky, Grace, Penny and Brooklyn get into in 2024. Sending love from New Jersey. Take care!❤

[@rhondacooper3565]

Thank you. I feel like someone on this universe understands. I'm proud of you!

[@user-ny1is4pd2b]

Being alone during the holidays is not easy, I am alone with my cat and we make the best of the holidays. It just makes a person realize alone time isn't that horrible. Happy holidays to you and your furry loved one and Brooklyn!!!! ❤

[@charylliss3741]

For some of us out here it looks like you had an almost perfect Christmas 🎄

[@ursulapercell4528]

A lot of us went through this. You're not alone. It took me a few years. Remember, life goes on. Make the best of it & everything will fall in place. I love watching you on your journey with your family & friends. Merry Christmas, Matthew❤

[@jakkermanrn]

The sights, the sounds, the camera angles, drone footage and music clips…..BRILLIANT! I feel like I just watched a movie! Excellent work! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@janetmcburney4582]

Agree 100% impressive

[@darlene9154]

You are never alone when you have a kitty cat. So you were not alone at all.🤗❤️

[@cjmedia1725]

Being alone but not feeling alone is a very healthy place to be in life. It means you have a loving supportive community of family and friends around you. So much so that when you are alone it still feels like they’re with you in moral support 😊 merry belated Christmas Matthew and happy new year 🎉

[@tracymac1111]

Hey Matthew, what a massive heart you have. You have so much soul, you feel love deeply and experience life’s complexity with wonder and pain. Your generous spirit, sharing your hopes and dreams along with the everyday challenges you face living in your tiny home has inspired so many of us out here, reminding us that we are not alone. You will never know me personally and yet you have helped me survive a tough couple of years, thank you Matthew thank you. As for this whimsical Christmas 2023 episode, how clever you are with your photography and editing. Matt, you convey so much with cinematography, few words are necessary. Merry Christmas you lovely man, Merry Christmas to your family, who adore you as you adore them. Merry Christmas dear Penny. What adventures will 2024 bring? One thing we all know, (apart from quality content), …you are no dead fish and will never go with the flow.

[@dross24MA]

Well put and Amen!

[@teresacollinspassionatelynuts]

I just love Penny's meow, she loves you so much

[@HeatherBDentureDiVa]

I'm so sorry that all happened to you and yes old feelings come back when it's holiday season. But you never know what the future holds for you 💜

[@donnakantaris2287]

This episode really resonated with me. I am 'getting on a bit' now but had seven years of solo Christmases between marriages many years ago. My first marriage ended because we discovered I couldn't have children so that was a real blow to the dreams of family Christmases. I initially had a lot of the feelings you described and tried ways to cope, initially by volunteering at Christmas to avoid being alone on the day. Eventually, I realised I had to create my own Christmas plans and traditions, unique ones to me, taking care of ME. This really helped, and even became something to look forward to. We all deserve some joy and fun at Christmas. When you are solo you DON'T have to follow society's 'normal' Christmas rules - as you said 'live on your own terms' - in fact this is vital. I had some good Christmases then until I met my second husband. That isn't to say that I didn't have the odd sad moment but I had built enough good stuff into Christmas that I was able to take a breath and successfully focus away from the sad stuff. Have a wonderful rest of the holiday season and I wish you joy for the year ahead x

[@budmetcalf3888]

Loneliness during the holidays doesn't depend on our living situation, especially after a divorce.

[@bobthorton607]

As an only child and now single adult i luv being being alone for the most part. Dont mind people but i can definitely have a good time all by myself. 🎉 And the Xmas lights rock

[@pattyb7082]

I think many people feel the way you have felt this Christmas holiday. It is a time for reflection, and I know that for myself I have always found the Christmas holiday to be a mixture of happiness and sadness. Maybe it's because it's the last holiday before the coming new year and I have a tendency to look back at what I have done in my life. If I am honest with myself, I find the Christmas holiday to be the hardest holiday to celebrate because of the emotions that creep in during this time.

[@beaming_life_travels215]

Wow Matthew, what a video! You portrayed sooo well your soloness- I was feeling edgy & uncomfortable watching & experiencing your Christmas Eve. I was sooo relieved when you said ‘Welcome back to the channel’ and proceeded to share your vulnerability. Wow, you certainly ARE living the life you were born to do. You are extraordinary and I love what you bring to me ( & the rest of your audience)

[@asmradventureasmr]

This was a fantastic video, I liked the no-talking for the most of this video. It was very relaxing, Christmas-vibes with the beautiful Canadian Wilderness around you. Have a safe and happy New Year 2024 Matthew and Ms. Penny-Cat 😺

[@SuperInsuranceman]

Matthew, you are not alone. We are here, with you. Imagine.....You have now friends from all around the world. Nobody can tell this. Nobody. Have a nice Christmas and an Happy New Year.

[@diamondhead203]

I live alone and looove it. I’m extremely introverted and find energy being alone. I’m working towards your lifestyle in the next year or so. You have it made my friend…..trust me you couldn’t go back to the “normal” lifestyle even if tried. Enjoyed the video.

[@paulwaterson596]

Even with the ups and downs you’ve had this year,you still have a wonderful life Matthew. I truly am jealous 😊

[@maxinemaass1406]

Always remember when you feel lonely, we are all here for you! I know it isn't the same as family, but we can bring some comfort and you can give it in return. Go live and you'll see many of us wanting to talk with you. Why? Because we truly care for you! May 2024 bring you much happiness Matthew and unte us even more! ❤❤

[@ramblynrocketeer]

👋😁 Hope you have a fantastic day!! Loved the horses with Christmas lights on them!

[@shawnoutcelt]

Grieving is a process that we all do in our own way and time. Loss is loss and nostalgia makes the pain closer to the surface. You are where you should be, and you are loved. I wish you peace. ❤️

[@beetsie7]

Love how you managed to film that nearly-full moon swing back and forth above Lucky’s roof as you pulled out at the end there - the cherry atop a beautiful episode with much heart. Love the term lonely-adjacent. May the New Year bring you much joy.

[@tgland02494]

I live alone and I miss the Christmas time on the farm with family years ago. But at this point of my life I might go have dinner with friends but mostly I spend it at home alone and watch both White Christmas and Holiday Inn. My two favorite Christmas movies. I love it. 😂

[@nannajules288]

My husband passed away in January, this was the first Christmas I woke up alone, the house was so quiet & lonely.

[@user-sx2yv1sb3q]

Seeing this a day later, reminds me of all the holidays I had being OTR and being alone. But after a few yrs I then decided that enough, and would invite someone who was also alone and living in their car/van/pick up to dine with me! They got a hot meal and I got a new friend! And was always delighted to see that new friend if I returned back to that area! It made being OTR easier on the holidays!

[@lilvalentine545]

Maybe next year you can get together with other vanlifers for Christmas. After divorce I opened our home every year to travellers and others who were also missing family and connection at Christmas. One year I hosted 45 people for Christmas day representing more than a dozen countries. It was a great time. Family for us has become so much more than I ever imagined. Wishing you and your loved ones a happy new year ❤

[@robertedwards7430]

Brother, the fire, the cocktail, playing the movie against your van, that has to be the most epic sht I've ever seen in Overlanding

[@taylorbailey8421]

Your answers are within you. You will find true love and settle down. Life is just chapters in a book. I am headed to the epilogue of my life story. Blessed be, Matthew.

[@kerrymcclaren3082]

I wondered what exactly you were doing on Christmas. I'm the one starving for my family to be together on those days and usually the one who makes it happen for us. Crazy. I thought of you that day often! I told them all about you. So thank you for satisfying the curiosity but more importantly thank you for sharing it with all of us!!!

[@gordaro2828]

Beautifully done. Remember, people can be in a stadium full of people and still be lonely. Life IS fluid. 'Non carborundum illiegitimi'

[@ritaharvey3117]

I loved to go on adventures with my old dog. But in October, I got a detached retina. Long story short, I have had 3 eye surgeries in the last 8 weeks. Can't drive. Can't do much of anything with the vision of just one eye for now. I was sad and talking to my brother. He told me things could always be worse (he battled and won over cancer). I get in moods where I feel alone. I have been divorced since 1998. I often think I would be happier with a significant other. But then again, I love my freedom. Your life is yours. Do what makes you happy. Whether that be living in your van or planting your roots somewhere and starting over. Just know you have many fans out here who enjoy your videos. Wishing you a Happy New Year full of love and adventures.

[@Drmikekuna]

Merry Christmas, Matthew, and Happy New Year. First, I really enjoyed watching this video. Second, I worked away from home 1 night a week for 10 years and during a lot of that time I used the exact same mini-electric frying pan to cook in my hotel room, I made everything from oatmeal, to eggs, to pasta in that thing. I appreciate you sharing your feelings and your honesty. I could relate. I think we all have expectations of what certain days or events are supposed to be, even if we intellectually understand that Normal Rockwell posters were fantasy not reality. Many years ago I was divorced with a child and had no intention of ever getting married again. Towards the end of that time I even gave up dating for several years. It seemed like everyone was living traditional lives and I was stuck at home celebrating my birthday or a holiday by myself (this is a partial exaggeration, but it is how I felt). I realized that it was me that was placing myself in those positions and I started to change how I approached the holidays. On St. Pat's Day I would carry out a corned beef and cabbage dinner from a local restaurant (there was no way I would make a corned beef for one), on Father's Day I would pick up my sister and go on an adventure drive out in the country to find a random restaurant to have a Father's Day dinner, and so on. It made things better by establishing my own traditions or modifying ones that I could no longer achieve as a single dad. As fate would have it, and despite the fact that I had given up dating, I remarried and had three more kids. I absolutely would not have predicted that was going to happen if you would of asked me when I was divorced. This Christmas we drove 400 miles on Christmas Eve to visit my wife's relatives and then we drove 400 miles on Christmas Day to return home. Our Christmas Eve lunch was at Culver's (a regional burger joint), and our Christmas dinner was provided by a gas station (nothing is open on Christmas Day on the interstate). It was all good, but hardly traditional. When I was a single dad holidays were non-traditional, now that I have been remarried for many years, holidays are non-traditional. I guess that it the way is goes for some of us. Strangely, all of those non-traditional holidays have become good memories- I hope that will happen for you too. Wishing you all good things in 2024. Peace to you, Matthew.

[@tinahardy9361]

Happy Holidays, Matthew!. I loved the entire evening. Miss Penny with her sweet meows. People do tend to confuse alone always meaning lonely. Two different things entirely. To me you had a marvelous evening. Thank you so much for sharing this time. Loved it!!

[@Trucker101]

i enjoyed it also

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

This was truly a FANTASTIC video/vlog!🙌. LUV the evening atmosphere & outdoor movie ...you are living A WONDERFUL LIFE, Matthew!👍🤗💖😇. Most certainly we all do sometimes think of the WHAT IF'S, AND'S or BUT'S!👀😮 ...and do eventually come to accept that LIFE does have it's own course!?🤔. Everything happens for a reason🙏 ... whether we choose to believe it or not. Your a 'GOOD SOUL', a 'GREAT FATHER', a 'CARING FRIEND' and a 'LOVING FAMILY MEMBER' ...ain't nothing wrong with that🎉. Continue to live the dream ...YOUR BEST IS YET TO COME!☺️

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

Heyyyyyyy PRETTY Penny!👍🤗💖🐱

[@danielellington8407]

I know how you feel. This was my second Christmas away from my family in Colorado. I live in Texas so yeah it was eye opening. Boy the emotions were out there. This year not as bad. Me and my wife watched White Christmas, and it’s a wonderful life as well. Just know there’s more of us out there that are away from our families. You’re in my prayers at this time. You’ve helped me though since I started watching you back in March. I thank you for showing me there’s ways to conquer it. Have a great New Year Matthew and God bless!🙏🎄🐱

[@Valerie-uc2ii]

ill bet many of your subscribers are alone on xmas i know ive been there this video may mean alot to them, i know it adds to my day,🌠

[@JohnKoehler67]

Matthew Since you are a Movie lover What is your favorite scrooge Mine is the one with Alistair Simm BTW you are not alone we are all here watching you

[@mariepalkiewicz852]

Mine too! Made in 1951

[@JohnKoehler67]

​@@mariepalkiewicz852 A lot of people say simms but it is simm

[@genieabbi2531]

Alistair Sim for me as well

[@JustCameronAndHisJeep]

I have a new one, from Spirited. Please don't hate me - Spoiler averted.

[@pinktiggersam]

Not sure why this popped up in my feed in the middle of June?? But it did. And I watched it again. Can't believe that was only 6 months ago. Everything looks different in all positive ways. Glad it popped up and it was good to watch again. When we see something nearly every day we sometimes forget the changes we make. Good to look back every now and then.

[@capaddler]

That’s great you found snow for Christmas. It looked beautiful. Thanks for sharing. ❄️❄️❄️

[@rockysmumakagma]

I was patiently waiting for this video 😊 I was sad knowing that you were going to be by yourself for Xmas day 😢 It was a tough one for me this year, I lost my father in law at the end of November. When I saw at the beginning the two people riding their horses all lit up in the parking lot, brought me to tears. On Dec.10, I lost my 28 yr old heart horse to a tragic injury, after owning him for 10 1/2 yrs. I looked after him twice a day, and I’m completely lost without him 😭 As soon as I heard White Christmas start, you lifted my spirits ❤ as this is always a must watch for me every year. Although, I do watch it a handful of times before Christmas Day 😊 It’s a movie that my parents usually had on around this time, so I grew up with it ❤ I really do wish you, Brooklyn & Penny nothing but the best for 2024 🎉 Your a fantastic dad and your little girl loves you so much ❤❤❤ Life always throws curveballs at us, but we always battle through them. Hugs to you, I hope you’re enjoying your time with your family ❤ Safe travels back to Calgary!

[@dross24MA]

You brought me to tears with your compassion for someone else and your own sadness. May u find peace. 🕊️

[@junepearl7993]

So sorry for the loss of your beloved equine friend. May their memory be a blessing. ❤

[@spyinthesky7778]

2024 is going to blow people minds of the great times ahead

[@tanbl6746]

Penny looks like a senior cat Girl Guide with the scarf. Love it!

[@kimberlyobrien4677]

Matthew, I would really like to thank you for being so real. I've watched a lot of van life people and quite a bit of them try to put on like everything is perfect and awesome all the time. It's refreshing to see someone so honest and open about the things you're going through. And I love how you are working on staying positive. And I love your closing line at the end of your videos

[@kelownarealman]

Perfect Christmas. Quiet. Fire. Movie. Drinks.

[@naughtysquirrelontheroad1542]

Hey Matthew, thanks for allowing us to spend Christmas with you. Loved this 😁

[@Enola-eg9xo]

Merry belated Christmas to you, Penny and all your family. I myself have spent many holidays by myself, and yes it gets lonely and disheartening, but I always manage to find the positives in the situation and make the next one better. I ❤ how honest and open you are.

[@ShinyNickelBlades]

This video ignites a lot of thoughts and emotions that I can relate to. I hope I don't miss too much from your channel on my birthday, I have to work new year's eve and day, but I volunteered to do so. I'm looking forward to getting out to a site like that to go camping with all of the gear that Jackery just sent me for Christmas.

[@dross24MA]

For years, when I lived alone and worked in a children's hospital, I volunteered to work the holidays so family folks could have the day off. Those were some of the happiest, most fulfilling, holidays of my life. Peace to you. 🕊️

[@tanbl6746]

Penny looks so adorable and cute in her new scarf. Love this furrry ball

[@gailhitson7340]

There's alone, and then there's lonely. Not the same at all. Hope you had a very Merry Christmas, and have a Happy New Year!

[@jodistpierre8727]

Hope you can heal from the past and move forward and create a new family. You are young Mathew and have a lot of life to live and offer. :)

[@VanlifePLUS]

Welcome to the process 😊

[@kathryngganderson8636]

Thank you for this open hearted and honest video. I too, cry when I am alone at Christmas. Last year I made up my mind to never do that again. I got invited to 2 turkey dinners! Smoked turkey lunch at my niece's and then then with my daughter and her turkey roast dinner. I was so full and happy! Sometimes you have to let your family know what you want. If you know what you want, then do it. You are a young, handsome, gifted man who would make a partner very happy. You just have to find the right one. Don't give up! I am older now, and regret not trying harder to find my long lasting partner in life. Who knows? Anything can happen. Your skill at filming videos is amazing! I love the way you capture Penny's eyes with that neon light in them. She is a sweet cat. Your care of her shows how good you are. Now, be good to yourself. Get busy, make more friends! You can't have too many friends, as I have found. Some go, some stay. Love the views, great white Christmas!

[@debbiebergman4480]

You should get a small electric heater to use when you are plugged into shore power.

[@freedpeeb]

So glad you have your health and the means to spend a beautiful Christmas in nature. Long may it continue. Thank you for sharing with us.

[@cindiheslin6782]

Just know you are not alone, look at your channel full of support. For me spending Christmas driving up to the back country of Glacier Nat'l Park is my tradition since I moved to Montana in 2019. Quiet - peaceful (and there was at least some snow to play in). Happiest of Happy Holidays to you my northern neighbor.

[@VaguelyMeandering]

The thing to remember Matthew, is that there will be good days and there will be bad. And if you can weather the storms you will see so much more love and so much more enjoyment. It's always a double-edged sword. Living the status quo means there will be certain traditions. Living on your own terms means there will be times when traditions change or are not utilised at all. It's GOOD to have those maudlin moments because it makes the good moments that much better. Happy Christmas Matthew, Brooklyn, and Penny. And I sat, grinning like a fool through the video, watching Penny with her Christmas PJ's. Such a good pussy cat.

[@aussiejac]

You can see the sadness in your eyes. I suppose it can be hard for your child not to have the childhood you had the memories you had but doing these new little adventures makes for a different childhood for her. If that makes sense. Xx

[@aint4it]

Man! I could’ve totally hung out with you by the fire with the Dr. Nog drink and my favorite Christmas movie!!! That set up was awesome!! I’m from Louisiana so the only thing I’d add is the instant pot to the table cooking up some gumbo!!😂😁🎄🎅🏽🥃👍🏽Happy Holidays man!! Thanks for sharing!

[@myvanlife1]

Best video yet my man, quality content for sure!!!

[@lindasams6058]

That's my boy 💋❤️ Yes ! Create your own tradition 👍🍾. Start now with New Year's.

[@jackieluckyangel5610]

I almost expected to see you dancing around the fire (🎶The Best Things Happen When You Dance 💃🏼 🕺). I know, darlin’ - the smallest thing triggers a memory or a wish unfulfilled and the tears start. But you’ve pulled yourself together and built yourself a home that keeps you and those you love safe. Things will change over time but you will adapt. Be proud of yourself (I’m so proud of you)! You’ve come so far from those first days in Lucky. You’ve also built a community that loves you - never forget that 🥰💞😘🏴‍☠️🍀

[@sarah_n_tank_girl]

Sometimes it's just a crappy Christmas and you need to be happy there are 364 other days to make it up to your kids. And that one relative that sent the day into a tailspin lives over 1000 miles away and can't come visit. And be proud you stood up for yourself instead of playing peacemaker again. Sometimes it's best to hit those emotions face-on, take care of business, then drive to another country to clear away the stress...or something like that. Hello 2024!!!

[@susanh3342]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. 🎉 My husband and I spend the holidays alone, we don't have a big family. But we make it happy. 🎉 I do miss my granddaughter's, though. 🎉😊

[@HeatherBDentureDiVa]

I know a lot of people choose van life but it's gotta have lonely moments especially Christmas

[@donnablankenship726]

So seeing the other side of a mental breakdown and failed unaliving plan, one of two daughters no longer acknowledging me, becoming antisocial and not trusting others...that seemed like a very enjoyable day, Christmas or any other day, and i would have been happy to sit next to you enjoying the whole of it. To me that speaks volumes of your day!! Thank you for sharing it....come on camp fire dinner, dinner cocktail, drive in movie, snow...any improvement would only be Heaven!!!!

[@turtlegram31656]

Looked like a lovely Christmas. Coming from an oldster, life seldom looks like we thought it would when we were young and that does not mean that it is not good. 🐢🐶🐕🐩🌈🌊🌺🌞💜🌲🐢

[@yme4071]

Matthew I spent Christmas with one person, and I was so lonely. We don't talk much, and both have very sad times in our past which come back to us around the holidays. It makes us quiet, and takes its toll. I would rather have been alone like you were, I think I would have felt more at peace. No one's fault, just is the way it is. I'm so glad to only have to endure that time once a year. Your video was amazing as usual, and I thank you for it. Sorry it was sad for you, I hope the following days helped you feel better 💜 Happy New year is in the forecast 😊

[@naomidonovan-perry2667]

Good evening Matthew and Penny. I hope you are enjoying your Christmas time with your loved ones.

[@KerriJean]

I've been waiting for this one 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@tgland02494]

Matt started a carnivore diet a week ago. I have back issues as well. The diet has eliminated the inflammation in my body and the pain is almost gone. It has had other benefits like almost eliminating my insulin requirements 🎉

[@robertsummers753]

YOUR GETTING SO MUCH BETTER AT MAKING YOUR NINI MOVIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@marciapeterson4404]

What an awesome evening and fabulous camping spot! Merry Christmas, Matthew!

[@missy4cdts]

Hi Matthew your such a strong and wonderful person and I really appreciate your honesty ! Christmas can be a wonderful and sad day for mine of us ! Thank you so much for sharing and much love 😊❤

[@PixieTayls]

📝 It seems for many, for sure myself, that even when you spend it with your family and your child/children it definitely is a happy wonderful moment in time and one does feel grateful, but at the ‘End of the day” over the Christmas holiday, tears are always shed for whatever reasons I still don’t have the answers for ..therefore I just see it as an emotional type season no matter how you spend it .. much love & hugs ~❤

[@billboyer7735]

I’m glad I waited til the end before commenting. I read ALL of the comments before writing this one. I think people feel your emotions and relating their stories about Christmas past and present in their lives helped them and they wanted to make you feel good too. I think we’ve all had a Christmas or two or more that just didn’t feel right and probably more like that to come. You did well Matthew. BTW, White Christmas has always been my first and go to Christmas movie I watch every season. Like you, I think I know every line by heart. Also, btw, none of us are truly alone here. This channel it’s people are a pretty good BIG family and we are here for you and each other. I know….you know that.

[@user-lg9qs3li4f]

They say there’s only two certainties in life, death and taxes. But I think there is a third, change is a certainty in life. Life is always changing. The trick is to learn to go with the flow and you will be wiser and happier. Live Learn and Love 💕

[@dallastrujillo7540]

Awwww…..Pennys new toy. She LOVES it! Merry Christmas Penny! ♥️🐕🎄

[@barbarasosa2802]

Looks like such a peaceful Christmas love it happy holidays and a blessed new year

[@geri-atric1660]

I love all the Camera angles. You always make it look like you have a crew filming you. I love how you make the simple things so enjoyable. I used to watch an assortment of other van lifers but some have sooo much but they still whinge and wreck their secondary vans etc doing off road silliness whilst their other vehicles keep getting fixed by an amazing loyal mechanic friend. I had my first Christmas in years with lovely friends who invited me to their family Christmas. I have family in another Country. I normally get very sad this time of year. I’m not lonely but I too have unresolved issues that still surface seasonally. Love the raw honesty mate. Big hug. 🤗 You on the other hand are a great friend, relative, son, brother and Dad. Keep rocking it Matthew 👍🏼❤️🌟 P.S The towing system for Grace O’Mally is genius, big cuddles for Penny. Happy New Year is just around the corner here in Oz. 😊

[@terryshaw3493]

Thank you for this video, Matthew. I truly loved it. Such peace and beauty with the fire and you enjoying your Christmas, fireside, with movies on the screen. How epic - watching classic Christmas movies on the side of your van. Merry Christmas blessings.

[@sugarmama4841]

Winter van life I really enjoy watching it is so peaceful and relaxing to sit back and watch happy holidays stay safe

[@dross24MA]

Life is a journey and you are merely embarking on another segment of it. With some experimenting you will develop a new "tradition" which will fulfill your needs. Regardless of what that tradition becomes, remember, you are loved and are never totally alone. "Peace, Babe." ❤

[@justlivingmylife]

Simply wonderful!! Love the classics movies and White Christmas is just one of many of my favs. Can’t say it enough your channel gives me some great laughs but also shows real life and love(your daughter) 👍❤️plus Penny! 🐈

[@lisatrindall6033]

Hope you had a merry Christmas 🎅 🎄. I just found your channel recently and it's great. I am alone too but I was able to go to a friend's house Christmas eve. I lost my boyfriend of 10 yrs to covid. This is the 1st year I put up a tree after that. Thank you for your videos. Stay warm ! And Happy New Year. 🎉

[@cathymc8365]

It's what you do for yourself on days like that that make all the difference. A lot of us have different ideas a long time ago...things change and we move forward. Make the best of it and remember Dec 25th is just a date...Christmas is when you can all get together to celebrate. Our big family Christmas isn't until Dec. 31st this year because of work schedules and everything else going on. Be at peace with it Matthew.

[@evelyncunningham6939]

Snow ice cream / snow & sweet condensed milk & vanilla yummy

[@Inf7cted]

Watching a movie in the cold snow while eating looked so peaceful.

[@josephmalloytravels7516]

I'm glad you finally talked, i don't know how people use to watch shows without sound. I'm sorry you spent Christmas alone but sometimes it beats the craziness and gives one time to relax and reflect. But don't give us that silent treatment again 😂😂😂😂😂

[@joellepatry493]

Feels punitive, right?!