To have to do an ‘Emma Thompson’ this Christmas?

I'm sure if you weren't trying to be a bit of an arsehole you'd know that Emma Thompson has said that that particular role was very real for her, because her acting was informed by Kenneth Branagh having an affair and leaving her for Helena Bonham Carter.

So sorry for reading all of these posts, you are so amazingly strong, all of you. This year I'm ok, I have had difficult years which I can't think about out, they're not forgotten but now buried deep and will stay there- so I'm feeling mindful how fragile life is and will squeeze everyone close to me tighter in the morning.

Best wishes to you all xxxx

What an extraordinary moving thread.

I am so, so sorry for what so many of you are going through. Wishing you all the strength in the world to pull off your aim, and hoping that there will be just moments of genuine warmth or laughter that sneak through.

Thinking of all of you on this thread. I had a breakdown in September and survived 10 weeks on statutory sick pay. My landlord increased my rent by 55% during this period, which meant I had to move out (move day was yesterday). I am being made redundant and cleared my desk last Wednesday. I have 10 relatives (and 2 dogs) coming for Christmas from tomorrow until the 30th. Trying to act sane when breaking inside.

I am so sorry to read this - can we help? xx

Sending you love and strength @Nsws2015 - this is so hard. ❤️

I'm so sorry for your loss @Notashamed13 😥❤️

Husband was made redundant the day before his office Christmas party. We haven’t told anyone yet, he’s pretending he’s still working! We’ve become THOSE people.

mainly haven’t told anyone because we don’t want the added stress of them fussing

😔 I hope he’s doing ok. I’m sorry that you’re going through this.

,it was a mistake!! and from what you’re saying you were under pressure at the same time and panicked ? It happens. you’re not the first and you won’t be the last. You said no one was hurt, so it can’t be that bad and If it’s financial it’s only money. At the end of the day…it’s just a job.
It will work out , things always do .

Faking my way through too…
-Mum passed away 7weeks ago, from a long cancer battle
-Hubby got laid off last week, after 8yrs in the same office.
-Eldest just accepted uni place.. which means £££
-youngest needs an operation on her back
*Hubby has secured a new job, but will be away a few nights…
Am more than ready to say Feck off to 2025!!!!!

That all sounds unbelievably hard (and a big Fuck You to your oxygen thief of an ex). You sound utterly knackered and I’m not surprised. I know you’ll miss the children when they’re not with you, but I hope you’ll also get some proper rest and do a few nice things to restore your batteries xx

Yes. Christmas 2020. I’m not going to give the incredibly outing details. Every moment that year as I trudged through our old traditions for my children were like swallowing ash. We had to go for a walk on Christmas Day as the walls and ceilings were coming in. Nothing in the world makes you feel shittier than a walk at 7:30pm on Christmas Day walking past window after window after window of other people’s Christmas.

So sorry reading everyones situations. A great thread though for support..well done OP. Sending you all strength for the days ahead x

Sending hugs to everyone.

Definitely not as bad as others. But the lead up has been the most stressful one for me in recent years. My aunt has just been diagnosed with cancer and it doesn’t sound like the prognosis is very good. I’ve had hardly any time without the kids which has made getting everything ready hard. Their dad has barely seen them in the last 3 weeks so I won’t be getting any presents from them. I had Covid last week so I’m really behind. With this came another reminder how useless their dad is, I told him not to come in my house due to me having Covid but knew he hadn’t seen them much so suggested he take the kids out for dinner. No interest from him at all. No offer to help when I was really unwell. Just “I’m not around”. I had to cancel visit to family (supposed to go for 3 nights) last weekend. My mum’s car is in the garage until the NY now so I’m running around after her and will have to drag kids out Christmas morning to pick her up. Realised I’m the one that everyone relies on but I am not even sure I will have any presents to open so I’ve just bought myself some. Been single for 5 years now and just starting to get fed up with it and feeling lonely on my own.

It’s quite lonely seeing everyone’s happy posts on social media, photos of my happy friends with their lovely, hands on, husbands who all have jobs and financially contribute to their households, and the insta-worthy less chaotic houses.

It’s also just hit me that after 3pm on Christmas Day I won’t see the kids for a week and don’t get me wrong I desperately need the time to get the house sorted- SO much to do- but I will also find it unbelievably hard.

I was having a mini pity party until I read this thread. It’s made me realise how lucky I am, and how strong people are- whether they want to be or not.
Several years ago I was facing my first Christmas as a single parent with my youngest being 18 months old with my dad already being unable to cope owing to his post severe stroke cognitive ability.
Lots of difficult things have happened in Decembers since; however reading this thread I am humbled and grateful for all I have.
Proud of all of those of you who have shared with incredible dignity. May you find some peace or solace, even for a moment.

Lost my first born on 09/01 (stillbirth).......always a bit of an ET moment this time of year

Yep. Christmas here with a 5 year old who is disabled and autistic so can't handle it at all. I'll be putting the smile on for older teen child and assuring everyone that it's all fine and I can handle being bitten/kicked/headbutted constantly while covering up the bruises. When older one goes to his dad's about lunchtime christmas will be over for us and will try to survive rest of the day.
Something needs to change in 2026 as I'm in pieces and clearly his needs aren't being met. Genuinely thinking the only way out would be if I wasn't here any more. He'd get put in care and would get the help he needs and his sibling would be free to live his life.

I have no words that could offer you comfort, but I am so very sorry about the terrible pain you are going through. I am sending you as much love as is possible through the Internet, to a stranger, but a stranger who is a mum going through such horrendous pain, so in someways not a stranger at all. I very much hope that you have some tangible loved ones support as well ❤️

Massively helpful and relevant contribution to the thread. Thanks so much for sparing the time to share.

I should be 12 weeks pregnant and announcing my pregnancy at Christmas but pretending everything is ok for my other children. Love to all of you struggling ❤️

You won’t be the first or the last to muck up like this. It sounds like you are now ready to face the music and that will count for a lot. and when these things happen, there are often issues with the system rather than just the individuals, even when somebody has misplaced finances etc. Maybe some good can come out out of it even. Don’t let work ruin your Christmas.

Exactly. Also I am literally just back from seeing it at the cinema and I still couldn't tell you the character's name. I'm not sure she actually has one!

Sending hugs and strengths to everyone tackling their own challenges this Christmas xx

why?

Exactly.