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

Snap.

Solidarity💪

I am not sure any thread has moved me like this one... 25 years ago, we were coping with a terminal diagnosis for my mum and her last venture out was to Christmas lunch at my sister's... so what do you put in the stocking of a terminal 84 yr old? She was stalwart and in the six weeks left, she bade good bye to friends and family, a bravura performance by her... and as she always taught us, thank you so much for have her, she really did have a lovely time. My sister, the only sibling left died seven years ago... so this year will be another Christmas alone, I am nipping round to Sainsburys to pick up a small bottle of champagne and some steak for lunch... my oven has decided to pack up BUT, I have a slow cooker, air fryer, hob and steamer, so will set some new traditions... new oven will be fitted in the New Year.

So, team Mumsnet, I shall lift a glass at 12:00 noon on Christmas Day for each and every one of you, you are not forgotten, you are not unseen, rather you are loved and amazing... and this too, shall pass... it really will.

DH has cancer which was stable but has recently progressed and he will be starting chemo in the New Year, I’m Emma Thompsoning my ass off here 😔

My mum died in Oct. She hated me, now I'll never hear otherwise.
Single parent to old teens with their own life worries and study stresses.
It's a lot to carry alone.

So sorry for all the pain everyone is feeling and the pressure to mask it and make it a happy day for others.
I'll be trying to smile through DH's fragile mental health, depression, possible imminent job loss and our preparations to move to a house we may not be able to afford the mortgage on.
Christmas day is my mother's birthday and this is the second one since we lost her. It gets both easier and harder.

Sending much love to everyone.

It's 3 years since I lost my Mum, the day after Boxing Day. Every day is hard - I didn't realise how much the grief would change me, and that it wouldn't leave. But Christmas is particularly hard. I still try to enjoy it, but the grief is so much closer to the surface at this time of year.

Trying to paint on a smile for work conversations. Trying to laugh along and not break down when I got told I was a killjoy and a grinch for not wanting to go out drinking on mad Friday.

Who can remember the characters name? I knew exactly what the OP was referring to and I’ve never watched the film 🤷‍♀️

I’m so sorry for all who are going through such tough, sad & lonely times 💔

I’m with you OP. Christmas has got harder & harder. Single parent to 3, since they were v small. Abusive ex who dragged me through the courts for 10 years. I did it all alone. No interest or support from my own family (I’ve 3 siblings who are all happily married & successful). Work is hard & isolating but I stick with it as it ultimately works, especially as I’m dealing with very challenging situations with my teen boys. Currently all 4 of us (me & 3 DC are in therapy of one form or another). Financial worries always gnawing as I bat away one crisis after another & decide how much energy I have to battle with my useless ex.

Am a chatty sociable person, lots of acquaintances but scant deep friendships & even then, reluctant to burden them with any of my stuff, everyone has stuff going on.

Appear suitably happy & ‘Christmas jolly’ but so much loneliness & sadness this Christmas. I really thought it would be better by now.

Reading all the really sad, hard situations makes me so upset for what other MN’ers are going through. I’m so sorry. There are much harder & sadder stories out there.

Now we are nearly at Christmas, I feel better, it’s the lead up that’s particularly hard. I have found focusing on as many practical tasks as possible helps, as well (in my case) as lots of exercise.

Sending love to all.

I've only read the first page of comments and im already crying my eyes out and can't continue. Hugs to all of you and hopes that things will get better for all of us!

Put my dog down last Thursday. I loved him so much and the grief is unbearable, along with the guilt of wondering if I did the right thing. Never felt less Christmassy but having to pretend for the kids who are only 5 and 3.
sending love to everyone struggling x

I so, wo wish we had the laugh react button again. That really made me gulp with laughter, and I don't laugh all that easily. I'm now imagining Emma on a flying bicycle.

Am I the only one who thought ET was Extra terrestrial not Emma Thompson!

Fourth Christmas since being widowed young, trying so hard to keep ‘ET’ing for another year but exhausted!

So sorry to all the other people going through stuff on this thread.

Yes but anyone remembered the characters name 🤔😀

I live quite close to a funeral parlour, indeed the one both my parents ended up in. Today, while going for xmas food, a hearse came by, usher in front, so solemn, as it should be. I stopped my car and cried, not for the person in the hearse but for my parents. No one else knows, it's something you carry inside you.

I am so sorry to hear this. My dad died last August and that was bad enough. Sending lots of love

Much rather equate to the character. ET is a total fanny, would never want to align myself to her.

I'm sure Emma Thompson wouldn't say something nitpicky and unkind on a thread where people are sharing great pain. There's always one, isn't there?
OP and others, I'm so sorry for all you're going through. I've had a tough year this year as well with ill health, (both physical and mental) but I won't be white knuckling through Christmas, I'm actually looking forward to a few days off. I do hope that 2026 is a brighter year for all of us.

My beautiful dog died this week. I'm heart broken and doing my best Emma impression for everybody else.

Accidentally uncovered H's affair three days ago. I'm staying until after Christmas because I can't let DD spend Christmas day in somewhere like temp accommodation- I have nowhere to go and no money, he won't leave because this is his house.

I spent today locked away crying and wrapping presents. I have to work Christmas Day so at least I don't have to see his family.

Oh, and all my hair if falling out. So at least I know I won't ever have to bother trying to date again, I can be fat, ugly, and alone forever.

I just want to give all of you a hug and hope you somehow manage to have a good Christmas in some way. Be kind to yourselves. Not sure what else to say 😞

@Jannieb18 I’m so sorry. My parents had cancer at the same time too. Similar scenario- when Dad got ill we assumed it was stress from having to care for mum but no, he had cancer too. They died within ten weeks of each other. Worst year of my life and it took a long time to recover from the trauma. Sending you strength and hope. 💐

And thoughts to all of you dealing with bereavement, divorce, illness and any other challenges this Christmas.

I'm so sorry everyone. Life is very hard at times, and I'm sure it must be tiring to pretend to enjoy a Christmas when you just want to hide.
Thinking of you all x

Yes it was. I love it. Despite not appreciating how she did one of those “ohhh yes people are annoying being obsessed with that scene” comments - which always seems just so sneery to an audience who connected with something you did (which is surely what an actor wants no?)

and really, I’m sure most actors would be glad to have their name kept out there. Use the character’s name (what even was it?) and ET gets none of the name-recognition-benefit.

My baby was born sleeping at 5 months in September but I have a 2.5 year old so very much putting on a brave face despite it all. She was due in two weeks making this all the harder. But on we go.