We're coming up for that time of year again....

[chloe40]

Where are you planning on spending your Christmas day?

I'll be at home ...again!

<3

[kenster1 Volunteer]

at the graveyard as always then at home with thr family.

[chloe40 Administrator in reply to kenster1]

Bless you kenster1 Kenny,Such a devoted Father, son and nephew <3

[Sandradsn]

Christmas day with our daughter.I'm dreading Christmas already,I can't enjoy it anymore.Too many people missing .

[chloe40 Administrator in reply to Sandradsn]

I understand that Sandradsn it's almost like 'going through the motions' and I am always pleased when its over, which is sad xx

[Chase888]

There is a dinner at the salvation army and a lady told me not to be alone as I lost my 2 friends within 18months of each other.

[chloe40 Administrator in reply to Chase888]

That’s marvellous Chase888 Great to know they are still so helpful <3

[LilyAnnepuppy]

I’m not looking forward to the holidays. Not that I ever do. But my daughter died in January and these will be the first holidays without her. Bah humbug.

[Caza in reply to LilyAnnepuppy]

I’m so sorry to hear this. So very painful for you. How old was she?The first Christmas after my daughter died was not good weird trying to go through the motions to a lesser degree but not quite making it. I feel for you. Take care big hugs x

[LilyAnnepuppy in reply to Caza]

Thanks for the supportive understanding words. She would have been 54 last March. Going through the motions is a spot on description of what I’m doing. Parents shouldn’t lose their children.

[Caza in reply to LilyAnnepuppy]

No they shouldn’t but they do & somehow we just have to find a way to carry on. Do whatever you can to make it easier for yourself. If something is to painful then as long as your not hurting anyone else, then just don’t do it. If I’m invited to Christmas celebration doos that I just know I’ll hate & will upset me I just say thank you but I can’t make it. Which has happened three times in the last week. Be kind to yourself such early days for you. X

[LilyAnnepuppy in reply to Caza]

Yes it is early. It will be 10 months on Wednesday. I’ve been in a grief group since the beginning. And am in therapy for my mental health issues. Also a recovering alcoholic and have my AA peeps. So I have a lot of support. Which I’m grateful for.

Self care is very important. And “No.” is a complete sentence.

[Caza in reply to LilyAnnepuppy]

I’m pleased you have support x

[LilyAnnepuppy in reply to Caza]

But I need all the extra I can get. Thank you for yours.

[chloe40 Administrator in reply to LilyAnnepuppy]

No LilyAnnepuppy That's not how it should be at all xx

[chloe40 Administrator in reply to LilyAnnepuppy]

Really sorry to read this LilyAnnepuppy

Welcome to our friendly Community.

This is such an awful time for you, you must be so sad.

Christmas’s and anniversaries are always a stark reminder of our loved ones.

You’re always welcome 🙏 here.

Chloe x

[LilyAnnepuppy in reply to chloe40]

Thanks for the kind words. I’ve been a member of the depression and anxiety group for a long time. Just don’t reply or post much. I identified with not wanting the holidays to be here and thought I’d say something on this forum.

[Caza]

Well Christmas last year was very different We were with our granddaughter three days before Xmas they were going abroad for the break. I got an early morning phone call to say she’d been tested positive 😱 Luckily for us presents had been given food drinks had been bought, so that was us in isolation for however many days it was then. It was absolutely great ( we didn’t catch covid) no visitors no visits no guilt about not walking no dressing up. We lit the fire ate drank when we wanted to. I didn’t get up tell lunchtime on THE day just lay in bed watching films. Read books it was like being on holiday. Hoping that we can do the same this yr.

what about you Chloe? What did you do?

[chloe40 Administrator]

Wow Caza You kept that quiet ha ha! Good for you and so glad you relaxed and did your own thing!

I’m at home Christmas Day but I think I will be going to Granddaughter on Boxing Day, I haven’t been officially told yet!

Chloe x

[Caza in reply to chloe40]

That’s youngsters for you 🙄!!

[Josephine13halffull]

With my family as always. I am blessed.

[chloe40 Administrator]

I'm really glad to read this Josephine13halffull You certainly are blessed <3

[Dolphin14]

My granddaughter is my saving grace. Life goes on for her and I move on because of her.

My deaths aren't as new as some others here. But one sister died days before a Thanksgiving and one days before Christmas.

My thoughts are with everyone as we try to navigate this pain we have.

❤️🐬

[chloe40 Administrator in reply to Dolphin14]

Yes indeed, grandchildren always lift the spirits.

I'm glad you're here with us <3