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

So many questions, I’m sure. You are right, when it comes to any kind of personal trauma, whether it be physical, emotional or psychological ( or all of it) people don’t want to know. I’m sure recalling any of the details must be so painful for you. Give your child extra hugs and love. Again, I’m so sorry.

My aunt died today, unfortunately so quickly none of us managed to get to the hospital quickly enough and she died alone. Trying desperately to have a normal Christmas for my 14 year old DD.

Yes somewhat. No one wants to hear about it though and recounting details is too painful so all we can do is say 'god I don't know why he did it' and cry because none of it makes sense. So I keep it inside most of the time. This year now I have a child of my own, I especially don't understand why he had to do it to me every Christmas, at a time of joy for children.

That sound hell. Physically and mentally. I feel sorry for you too 😔

I am fully Emma Thompson. Lost my dad in April. Glioblastoma. Otherwise never known him be ill in my 42 years. Forging on for my two kids, my bereft mum - they met on holiday at19 ❤️, and my unusually amazing husband. Got all I ever wanted, family, career etc. I just want my dad 💔

Oh my gosh. I'm so sorry.
please please take some time to try and focus on you and do something for you that calms you.
please prioritise yourself and the health of your baby... everything will pass. Sending much love xx

Me too. It's incredible and very moving x

I posted earlier, but just came off the phone with a family member who’s life has also gone to utter shit. She was knee deep in making mince pies whilst simultaneously making light work of a bottle of vodka.

We eventually wound up insisting to each other “fuck me, no yours is much worse” in some bizarro world of solidarity.

We detoured to a whole different tragedy that rocked everyone in our family to our boots, and still leaves an open wound. We reflected that that tragedy has in some weird twist of fate made us able to get up every day and deal with the present.

Im currently feeling oddly at peace, although to a passerby I look like a tear ridden maniac. Oddly I’ve also just bought new bedding and had an actual Emma moment about an hour ago.

There are times when I wonder at the capacities of regular people to square shoulders, do the one foot in front cliche. But we do. All the sodding time. And if this thread doesn’t make you cry then I don’t know what will.

To you all, my Christmas wish is that you will prevail. You’ll do dinner, open presents, smile at your kids and neaten your bedspread. But you will prevail.

This is terrible and I’m so sorry it happened to you. This time of year must be insufferable. I hope you have support in real life?

Me! I feel like total shite. Got young kids and trying to keep happy for them but a few weeks ago I discovered my husband has a new “friend” and has been texting her loads and met for dinner etc. not the first time and combined with other lies he has done over year it’s over. I feel like I’m mourning my old life and I’m so sad this has happened. I have hardly any mates and I’m a mum which is my whole personality it seems. I’m the wrong side of 40 and not rich and now I’ll be alone and poor forever. I can’t stop crying. I keep nipping to loo to cry. Told my kids I have a cold. I’ll never enjoy Christmas again.

he keeps asking me to give him another chance but he’s always letting me down and I’ve just lost all trust. I feel to blame too… if I had been more exciting or fun or less critical about stuff maybe I would have held his interest longer.

Thing is, as women, it’s just assumed we will get it all sorted as it’s our ‘job’ no matter what 💩 is thrown. I’m so sorry to everyone having a crap time pretending they’re ok.

Same here, except not unexpected. Its shit isn't it. Hugs to you

Christmas is always awful for me, I was badly sexually abused by a relative every single year of my childhood whilst our family were having fun in the next room on Christmas Day and then had to play board games, pull crackers straight after as if nothing had happened.
It's such a triggering time and I don't even want to partake in any of it. Being forced to be happy. But I have a toddler now so I need to make an effort.

Really? What makes you sure? ET is acting the part of someone acting a part and the OP is referring to having to act. Practically no one would recognise the name of the fictional character yet everyone seems to know what the OP meant and it was clearly no disrespect to the actor.

Im so sorry for everyone going through the shit, especially at this time of year.

Mine is another bereavement, my biological Dad died 3 weeks ago and I have been floored by it. I never met him so feel ridiculous being so upset, and to add to feeling ridiculous I dont get any in sympathy cards or to go to the funeral. Oh and I got the news on my adopted Dad's birthday - he is also dead.

My DB is in ICU after a huge stroke - he is very poorly tonight and my DD (17) told me she was pregnant this morning. My anxiety is through the roof and I feel totally overwhelmed tbh. I have read all the other stories and send my love and support to all those struggling, for whatever reason xx

Small in comparison to some of these, but my beloved cat died on the 3rd. Old age, fell asleep and went peacefully in his own home. Lovely job done of the cremation, etc.

But I'm broken. I've had a tough few years. Was reminded of Mum dying of cancer, of the people I've lost (and there have been many), my brother, the last of my family, also was diagnosed with cancer this year (in remission now). My own health has been rubbish and I'm struggling with autistic burnout and overload.

Watched the Snowman as I do every year and I teared up, remembering the first time I saw it in 1982 and how it was the best Christmas ever with the Sindy doll house, all the furniture, my dolls all posed inside - opening the door to the sitting room that day was pure magic, all made possible by my widowed Mum, who no doubt was having her own ET moments, and Granny.

Too much loss, my lovely old cat was helping me heal and regulate. Now I'm a mess. Take care, everyone.

Just to allay your fears, HRT increased cancer risk is the same as having an extra glass of wine a week.
It made a massive difference to me. Hopefully you will see the benefit for you.
I’m sorry hear about friend

I am sorry fellow adhd person here . I have lost so many jobs to it so I do sympathise.

This thread is absolutely heartbreaking. It just goes to show we all have our struggles and unless anyone says anything, we don't know what people are coping with.
I've had a totally shit year, but it pales in comparison to all I've read here.
Yes, we are women, yes we are strong, but we are also allowed to have a meltdown and a bloody good cry when it gets too much.
I am sending lots of love, light in the darkness and hugs to every single one of you facing awful circumstances and let's hope we all have a better and more positive 2026 🩷💐

@Helpless0190
Please don’t belittle yourself. Like many of the posters on here, you’re going through a very tough time.

Reframe how you see yourself, you’re a Jolie Laide, revel in your curves. It will take time and won’t be a walk in the park, I hope you come to find a way to enjoy your life without your husband. Do it for yourself and your DD. Fuck your STBXH, he doesn’t deserve you. But you deserve you.

I’m sooo sorry this has happened to you and I’m soo sorry for all the other posters with huge problems and illnesses 😢 I hope all of you get through the day and wish you all lots of love for the coming year .
incidentally I doubt Emma Thompson would give a shit actually but my god if that’s all some people can take from this post that’s just cold and heartless !!!

Missing someone I shouldn’t so very much.

Thankyou. Just feeling incredibly sorry for myself. I’m working with my pain team, but have so many different types of pain from this tumour, it’s hard to keep it in check.

Not everyone around you is playing happy families though thats the thing.