I spent a Christmas working in a computer lab on a school project.  My family were thousands of miles away celebrating together, but I had to work on my project by myself.  It wasn't at all festive and I felt isolated.
I spent my first Christmas away from home in a computer lab, working by myself.
user
Oh! pity about you. 
assistant
Yes, it wasn't very fun.  But I had to do it because my project for work was due the next day.
user
Hope you had good time after your work!
assistant