Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Grief at Christmas

36 replies

sellotapechicken · 25/12/2025 09:20

Sending everyone gentle hugs and love if you’ve lost someone and are feeling it.

Grief is like glitter. In the beginning, it's everywhere.. on your hands, in your hair, scattered across every corner of your life. You try to clean it up, to restore some sense of order. And for a while, it seems like you've succeeded. But then, one day, you move a sofa or open a forgotten drawer, and there it is again. A tiny sparkle that catches the light and reminds you of what you lost.
It doesn't go away completely. It settles, becomes quieter, less overwhelming. You learn to live with it, to carry it gently. And years later, when you find a bit of that glitter tucked behind a shelf, you might smile. Maybe even laugh. Because it reminds you of love, of connection, of someone who mattered deeply.
Eventually, something will catch your eye.. a photo, a favorite song, a familiar scent, and instead of pain, you'll feel warmth. That's the quiet truth about grief. It stays with you, but it changes. It becomes a part of your story, a soft echo of the love that never really left.

OP posts:
Freesiapleaser · 25/12/2025 10:02

Oh that's lovely and just what I needed to hear this Christmas. X

Bikergran · 25/12/2025 10:00

Muchtoomuchtodo · 25/12/2025 09:24

30 years on since dad died and I’m blindsided by grief this year.

Hugs to everyone who’s struggling xx

12 and 15 years since my parents went, and missing them so much this Christmas it hurts physically, and missing the huge family Christmases we used to have.

Bikergran · 25/12/2025 09:57

What a perfect analogy. Thank you.

CountingQuiche · 25/12/2025 09:54

That's lovely OP. Sending love to everyone who is navigating grief this Christmas.

LunaTheCat · 25/12/2025 09:54

Oh my that is wonderful.. and so true. Wishing you peace at this time.

Berie · 25/12/2025 09:51

At 18 I thought when you were dead you’re dead - nothing. I smiled politely if someone said “I saw a robin and throught “that’s my mother” - because although I didn’t aT all agree with them I just thought discretion was the better part of valour!

However - since the age of 25 I’ve had too many positive signs of support from too many different people who’ve passed to not believe in the afterlife !!

so I believe - as close to 100% as you can get that the people who’ve passed that we loved are still supporting us - just from a different place now ❤️

So let’s strive for our goals - and along the way, perhaps when we’re least expecting it - we’ll experience their subtle signs of love and support. ❤️

Rosamunday · 25/12/2025 09:49

My sister died on Christmas Day 15 years ago. My DH died just before last Christmas. I’m on my own right now. 😢

JohnnyRememberMe · 25/12/2025 09:48

Thank you.

AlexandraJJ · 25/12/2025 09:39

And sending love to you too. I lost the love of my life this August. It was quick. I’ve come to the canaries on my own this Xmas and the house echoed too much without him. I was listening to a pianist in the hotel last night who was playing classical then love songs. He played Amazing Grace with such a tender ferocity it took me a while to realise tears were streaming down my face. Everything is so poignant these days and you’re right about it settling within. Sending my love to all who are hurting at the empty chair at the table 🥺❤️

Muchtoomuchtodo · 25/12/2025 09:24

30 years on since dad died and I’m blindsided by grief this year.

Hugs to everyone who’s struggling xx

MatildaTheCat · 25/12/2025 09:23

💝