For those We Are Missing This Christmas

[Openmouthinsertfood]

I love Christmas and this section on MN. It's why I joined the site a few years ago. I love the attitude of kindness on this part of the site. However, Christmas this year, and everyone after, is going to be very different for me. Very, very sadly my mum passed away on the 9th December. She loved Christmas too. I don't know how the day is going to go/how I'll feel, but I just wanted to acknowledge her in some way. I thought that this thread could be for all those missing a loved one this Christmas. Be that through bereavement or distance.
I hope this thread doesn't bring anyone down. I just thought others might need to reach out, like me, and just give at least a nod to those not with us.
I hope you have a calm day, probably tears, but hopefully some good bits too. x

Sending love to everyone who has an empty place at the table this Christmas.

I will be thinking of my lovely brother, who is forever 31. This will be the third Christmas without him, and I can't say it does feel any easier just yet.

Thinking of you all. My ex who I remained good friends with died on this day 4 years ago. My grandpa died on 27th December and my grandma on Christmas Eve. Still missing them all. 💐

First Christmas without my mum this year. My father died many moons ago and I realised the key to getting through is not too much alcohol in that first year (Some is fine! Some is not a lot) love to all trying their best to have a good Christmas while mourning loved ones. They would have wanted us to have a nice Christmas.

Slightly hijacking this beautiful but sad thread since I’m not bereaved in any way. This will be my fourth Christmas without two of my children who for various complex reasons don’t want to see me. The pain is as bad as it always was but I manage it better these days. I’ll be keeping two spaces for them under my tree and at my table whilst I do my best to enjoy Christmas with their sister who misses them too. Much love to you all 💔

I will be thinking of my best friend who died in March. We were friends for 59 years. We lived close to each other most of our lives and she was godmother to my son. She was part of my family and I think of her every day and miss her. She was an elder in the church and all round good person. Every Christmas she came to my house at night and we all played board games. I can't imagine Christmas without her.

Thank you for this thread and my heart goes out to you all. Missing my sister two years on and my dad. I raise a glass to them. Sending you all peaceful wishes.

Will be remembering my son who I lost aged 2 hours in 1994.. My husband who died in 2001 and my partner who I lost in 2018.
I know they have found each other xx ♥ xx

@Openmouthinsertfood I’m very sorry for your loss of your mum.
And to everyone who has lost a loved one I can only offer my condolences. 🕯️
DH died some years ago now, I’m well practiced at Christmas and can only offer plan your day as much as you can, it helps to reduce anxiety. I know a lot of people benefit from making a tradition or a small ritual — a special drink, lighting a candle, playing a favourite song. And if you’re struggling tell yourself it’s one day and it will come to an end.
A site that can offer comfort is https://www.muchloved.com/CreateMemorial where you can create an online memorial.
@UpUpUpU Im so sorry for your loss, I’ll be thinking of you tomorrow. 💐

First year without my Dad (lost mum 5?years ago) but first for our little girl so it’ll be very strange!!

Trying to make the best of it but it’s honestly hard to fake it! Luckily sister in law has said grandparents can come celebrate with us and keep me company while DH works!

The toast tonsbsent friends is really touching I think I might start that!

Sending love to everyone!

DP died exactly two years ago today. It's hard.