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

@Dustyfustyoldcarcass
I am sorry for your sad news .
Please take care of yourself and remember you can only do so much xx

Thank you for not judging

I was on my own at 32 and found Christmas hard. Same feelings as you describe. But in all likelihood nice things WILL happen in your life. I met my DH at 38. You have to keep the faith and believe that you are a good person, full of vitality with lots to give both to yourself and others. You are enough, believe it.
This thread, as others have said, is very moving. Women are amazing in their sisterhood and empathy. Sending warmest support to everyone on here with their troubles X

This ❤️

Sending all my love and strength to everyone struggling this Christmas.

Sadly also channelling my inner Emma Thompson here too.

Uncovered STBX’s affair a few months ago, but because I currently don’t have a permanent job I’m stuck here, and haven’t told family because I can’t deal with having to explain why I can’t rationally just up and leave when I might not have an income in a couple of months.

Its utterly ridiculous and I’m so mad at myself for being in this position.

This time next year I’ll be in my own calm quiet space without all this shite, until then I’ll be Emma Thompsonning with the best of you.

I usually like this time, but Christmas can do one this year (apart from the food - I'll have that, girl gotta comfort eat)

Luckily I'm not Emma Thompsoning because it is just me and the dog and she doesnt know it's Christmas.

My son is travelling to visit his Dad this Christmas so I’ll be alone on Christmas morning. While I don’t mind it, it can be lonely especially as I get older. It’ll be me and the dog. Have had cancer this year and have not had time to process it so maybe that’s what this quiet pocket is for. The collective strength shown here is incredible. ♥️

My beautiful son attempted suicide, 2 weeks ago then 2 days later my darling dad died, yesterday we got our son back home as he was in a psychiatric hospital and I saw my dad in the chapel of rest. Tomorrow I have 4 of my grandchildren and I need to be happy and excited when all I want to do is spend a few hours to myself to cry.

Another cancer one. Have had biopsy, confirmed now waiting on scan just after xmas to know my fate treatment wise. I just cannot stand any more xmas music. It’s everywhere. Kids are adults so counting my blessings. Have just about managed to pull xmas together , wrapping presents last minute tomorrow keeping a smile on my face but can’t wait for it to be over.

So many heartbreaking stories on here and so many awe inspiring women who somehow find the strength to put one foot in front of another literally and metaphorically. My heart goes out to anyone who is feeling low and out of kilter at this "merry and bright" time of year. The darkness, the emphasis on togetherness can make feelings of loss, isolation, fear or just feeling less than connected to how we are told we should be living and feeling much more intense. Virtual big mugs of hot tea to all (or whatever drink comforts you) and hugs too

Tears from me as well, hugs to all of you, along with hoping that your lives become a little easier in the future.

I got diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis today. Fatigued beyond anything ive ever experienced, crawling to the finish line. Been prescribed some high dose steroids to start in the morning so hoping I start to feel brighter on the day. Very emotional though.

Sending love and hugs to you all. I’ll be joining you in putting on a brave face after losing our baby at 20 weeks pregnant a few weeks ago. Fully just going through the motions this year for our 3 year old and absolutely dreading spending Christmas Day with our baby niece.

God bless you , sending love ❤️ though I know no sentiment is enough

One parent is terminally ill and this is likely our last Christmas together. Another close family member has made a serious suicide attempt this week- this is their third time doing so. All have been close calls. I am so scared they will be successful next time but therapy/ medication just seems to be prelonging and not solving their sadness. I can be quite good at distracting myself though and will likely have a good Christmas regardless, but it crumbles now and then. I feel I'm more snappy with the kids than I want to be :(

I'm so sorry. Wishing you peace for 2026.

I’m reading all your posts with tears in my eyes, i am not doing an Emma but for anyone who is struggling I hope you find the strength to carry on . ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Sending everyone love, I’m so sorry that so many of you are having a shitty time and having to put a brave face on it all

💕💕

I’m so sorry for your loss, sending you love and strength xxxx

My disabled daughter with lots of complex medical needs will be having multiple surgeries next year. She's a nightmare to put under anaesthetic, so much so the last surgery she had the anaesthetist was actually reluctant to go ahead, because he remembered her from a previous operation. I just want to wrap her up safe and keep her with me. Having her put to sleep in my arms, putting her down on the the bed in the anaesthetic room bit outside of the theatre then walking out and leaving her there, over and over again, never gets easier.

I had a mild stroke 12 weeks ago, everyone keeps telling how well im doing i only took 7 weeks off work. Im hosting christmas and boxing day for alternate sides of the family, I'm doing it all for my kids - I'm exhausted.

My husband and I are suffering two and a half years of infertility. We’ve just had a failed round of IVF. SIL is heavily pregnant and here’s the kicker - she’s due on the same day I would have been had our one and only pregnancy gone the distance last year.

Never saw mine cry during tne 8 years we were together. Until the day he realized I knew he was having an affair for four months and was planning to move in with her. He subbed uncontrollably and suggested marriage guidance and it transpired whilst attending "not actively participating in" marriage guidance, he was still seeing her and using his best friend as his cover story. When he announced he was done with marriage the crying and soft side disappeared and he turned into a cold stranger and I walked on eggshells in our home for months as he refused to.move out. Wanted the house sold immediately and the kids and I to move Into a rental.

Please protect your heart and get someone who can ask the right questions and get answers to talk to him.so that you understand where you stand

@DudududuMV
You sound amazing.
I am so sorry about your son and an in awe of how you are approaching this tonight for your family.
You are truly an inspiration and I wish you nothing but the very best things going forward in life .

Seriously? Have you actually read some of the posts on this thread? Truly heart-breaking.

And the only thing you can think to say is this? FFS. What a ridiculous comment to make. I hope you're ashamed of it.

Big hugs to all those going facing a tough time this Christmas.