Has anyone decided not to celebrate Christmas...

[chloe40]

since they lost a loved one?

Please do share with us, we still want to support you!

Chloe

[jaykay777]

Quite the opposite. I am Jewish, and addition to the Jewish holiday of Chanukah, I also celebrate Christmas in honor of my late husband, Bob, who was Christian and loved to decorate our home for the holidays.

[chloe40 Administrator in reply to jaykay777]

Hi jaykay777

So lovely to hear from you.

Lovely to hear that you celebrate both holidays Jaykay enjoy!

Chloe

[Hidden in reply to jaykay777]

Just wanted to say hello jaykay777 and send you Christmas wishes,

Lottie x

[Greyone]

decided to write this in notepad and post later after dinner.

I wouldn't say not celebrating Christmas but I always think back to Christmases past.

As children, there was the grandparent duty. Rather formal and full of unhappiness.

When grandpa died it became our duty to play host when she'd invite herself round in the usual "And of course I'm coming for Christmas day" and the parents would argue and not speak to her.

On the day the meal would end with Nanna flourishing a tenner for my mum's troubles. MUm used to say outright how she hated that.

I think we didn't have a truly peaceful Christmas till we were on our own with the odd family visitor. I suppose this is what some might call a typical family Christmas. A mixture of good and bad.

After dad died and it was just the three of us, it became morning cooing, Afternoon Tv and evening films. I must admit this is my favourite period. After mum's diagnosis, it was the same but quieter and much better for the three of us.

Now for me and sis, it's morning in our own parts of the house, lunch in the front room then back to our own corners. The meal was a turkey role courtesy of Morrisons but as usual, twice the size.

So this year it appears to be a solo project. With sis experimenting to appease her IBS, so mine will be Chicken, piled high with veg and boilers and topped off with a volcanic gravy. Followed by a trifle.

Still can't figure out what Christmas is? Is it all that religious stuff, looking after the needy and old. or is it all of this any more and whatever you want it to be?

[chloe40 Administrator in reply to Greyone]

I had to smile Greyone It does sound like a typical Christmas! Sorry that you're dining alone but hope you have a relaxing day.

I think you've summed it up nicely, all of that and more or whatever you want.

Chloe x

[Hidden]

Christmas is so meaningless when you have lost part of your heart. I cant listen or watch anything christmassy now. Its torture to see people going around being happy. Every advert on TV about christmas is like a dagger. I wish it wasn't everywhere.

Those of us who cannot cope with the pain of it have no escape from it.

[chloe40 Administrator in reply to Hidden]

You are so right Hidden

It is torture for those of us left behind and there seems to be no escape from the endless reminders, its been particularly bad this year. I do hope you can find some way of getting through this, thinking of you and all those in our position.

Chloe xx

[kenster1 Volunteer]

so far ive only got my tree up.i will do the rest tomorrow because the kids deserve better and that's whats important.i try to avoid all the songs as well mind you.

[chloe40 Administrator in reply to kenster1]

Kenny kenster1

You're doing okay my friend, do your best, that's all anyone can ask.

Always here

Chloe

[Catwoman2018]

Hi Chloe, I am finding it very hard to get in the Christmas spirit. I lost my mum a few months ago and although I have a very loving family, it's just not the same, I miss her so much. I can't put my tree up, I just can't face it. I have so many amazing Christmas memories of my mum but it's just too raw at moment. I will be all smiles for my grandchildren, but inside I'm hurting.

[chloe40 Administrator]

Hi Catwoman2018

Yes, it's so hard when our memories are so raw. This time of year and any other personal celebrations are very difficult to cope with {{{hugs}}}. I completely understand that you wouldn't want to celebrate but I do hope you will spend some time thinking of your dear Mum and some 'Me time' for yourself.

Chloe xx