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

My lovely Dad is dying of cancer. Only diagnosed three weeks ago. He's receiving palliative care and I'm just numb with shock. Trying to be upbeat for my DH and the DCs, but not feeling remotely festive.

I’ve been on Mumsnet for years. This is the first thread that’s ever made me cry. So much suffering, it’s really not fair. I’m so very sorry for all the loss and hurt. 💔

Love to all who are having such troubles to cope with.

I imagine she'd rather be known as Emma Thompson rather than ET!

100% doing an Emma Thompson this year. Spent a lot of time so far crying in my bedroom - lost my wonderful DM 4 Months ago and my heart is broken. I will, as always, show up for my beautiful DCs though!

I had sepsis this year and apart from it making my hair fall out (common) it appears to have left me with quite a serious heart condition.

I've been able to power through and sort stuff to make it kind of OK. Some of the stories on this thread have made me count my blessings. I send all the strength and love I can to all of you

Post natal depression. Trying to brave it out and give DD (5) the best Christmas and make memories for DS first Christmas. But finding it all very overwhelming and absolutely petrified of the post Christmas slump.

Sending love to all

My beautiful, amazing, one in a million grandad passed at the beginning of December. The cancer took him quickly and brutally at the end. Christmas can fuck off this year but I’m putting a brave face on for my kids who are also grieving, love to you all.

I’m so sorry for your loss @Endeavour1971 I can’t imagine your pain. Please be kind to yourself and I hope you have people who love you around you. 💐 for you and your son 💐

I left my DH in September after 35 years of marriage
He had a stroke 2 years previously and became violent and abusive afterwards
I tolerated it and kept hoping he'd get better till I just couldn't cope with his behaviour anymore

I'm living in temporary accommodation after fleeing
Trying to adjust and feeling like my whole world has gone to shit.
And it's Christmas. My first ever alone. I'm seeing my adult DC but we're all just so sad. ...

It can only get better next year

Sending hugs to everyone going through such shit right now.

Hopefully 2026 will bring more light down to the earth.

I’m so sorry for anyone dealing with a much heavier burden than mine

With you on the ETing, thought not actually succeeding at the brave face half the time.

Mum died a month ago, age 81 but still out of blue. They were supposed to both be here, from today, for Christmas. We still have Dad with us which is lovely, and I’m glad we can support him, but I miss her so much - I’ve realised only now how chatty she was and how upbeat the vibe was with her here. It’s very quiet and different now. I’ve also realised how much I enjoyed making sure they had a good Christmas. Not sure it’ll ever be the same again.

My dad is in hospital with a blood clot, FIL very ill with dementia, one autistic daughter who is not coping with Christmas and everything going on. Husband working away.
it’s too much.

sending strength to those struggling.

Divorce and losing my 33 year old son to suicide this year.
Drinking Baileys and watching 80s Xmas hits on TV hoping I'll feel better.
I dont 😥

Another one signing in with cancer and divorce. Or rather, was on the edge of divorcing but now stuck here during the coming months (at least) because chemo and surgery are enough to be getting on with. Kids don't know. To add insult to injury I'm waiting on some test results and I expect I'll be left hanging over the coming two weeks or so, which is hugely upsetting.

I am leaning in to allllll the Christmas crap. The party food, the silly gifts, the random concerts, walks, anything, I am there.

Sending love @SuperDuperFuckNuts

My heart is breaking for you. Both parents to the bastard that is cancer is too much. It’s not fucking fair. I’m so sorry. 💔

There's always one.
Emma Thompson wouldn't give a flying fuck so give over.

THAT'S your take away from this thread??

Goodness, some people are cold

I doubt she’d give a monkeys tbh. She herself has said that performance was particularly raw because she’d been through the same ordeal in her own life.

Sending love and strength to everyone who is struggling with heartbreak. It’s such a brutal time of year when you have awful things going on.

My dad died in September from cancer after a shock diagnosis. My mum hasn't been doing so good (we assumed it was grief). It's cancer and she's been given a few weeks and yesterday our never ending house sale and purchase chain collapsed. My face hurts from the fake smiling when inside I'm dying.

I hope your employers have put in reasonable adjustments. I'm sorry your having a difficult time.

Sending you all hugs. We can do this! We are strong!

Bereavements, three of them, to cope I seem to have gone back to the numb and disbelieving stage. We are not doing Christmas properly (whatever that means) this year. I have put some lights up to chase away the darkness rather than to celebrate