Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To display Christmas cards from relatives who have died

112 replies

pipnchops · 11/12/2019 08:24

I have 3 Christmas cards I always put up every year from people who have died. My mum saw them the other day and thinks it's strange. How this came about is every year I get out the pervious years Christmas cards and go through them to make a list of who to send cards to this year. Then I recycle the cards but I can never bring myself to throw away the card if that person has died so I display it and it reminds me of them over the Christmas period.
Is this strange?

OP posts:
cakeandchampagne · 11/12/2019 12:04

I think it’s a lovely idea.

LoseLooseLucy · 11/12/2019 12:05

Love that SistersOfPercy 👍

I've had a Christmas card for over 30 years from a friend who died aged 7, laminated, and I put it out at Christmas.

Blondeshavemorefun · 11/12/2019 14:26

I think it’s a lovely thing to do and brings you comfort as well as happy memories

A bit like photos

I have kept all of my dead dh cards he sent Me in our nearly 20yrs together. Anniversary. Valentine. Birthday etc

All up in the loft. I can’t throw them away :(

BeeN77 · 11/12/2019 14:31

Expressions of grief or remembrance are personal. You should do what makes you feel as though you are remembering someone who was a part of your life.

Every year, I celebrate the birthday of a loved one who passed (I chose to their birthday as opposed to the day that they passed, because I want to remember them alive). People think (and have said it up-teem times) it's morbid and yet, it is the one day a year, where I purposively remember our times together and celebrate that I got that time, that they had an impact and that they are remembered. It doesn't hurt anyone, so people's opinions are not relevant.

stairway · 11/12/2019 14:38

That’s lovely, remember the only thing that separates you is time. I’ll have a look now for a Xmas card from my late grandma.

HeronLanyon · 11/12/2019 14:46

I think it’s lovely. I’m struggling to understand why anyone would think it is weird. ?
My mum died recently and she had the morning she died written out my birthday card. I will bloody well haul it out on my birthday as a memory and don’t care or understand why someone would even think twice about me doing so ! Might be at some point in the future it won’t be something I do but I think it’s kind of respectful and thoughtful.

SadieContrary · 11/12/2019 14:52

My DGM has beautiful writing and I loved her signature.
It was my responsibility to sort her estate so when I closed her bank accounts I kept her bank card and placed it rear facing into the clear pocket on the inside of my wallet. Means I see her signature daily (7years on) and it brings me a wee smile.
No one really knows it's there but I do

Blondeshavemorefun · 11/12/2019 17:20

@BeeN77 - I am the same. We go out for drinks for my dead dh birthday with friends. Talk and laugh about him x

ForalltheSaints · 11/12/2019 17:21

Seems unusual, I have photos of loved ones who have died, such as my dad.

Though if the OP finds it cathartic, why not.

MaisyMary77 · 11/12/2019 17:26

My DM died in May last year. In December I was clearing out my wardrobe and found a rather nice British museum bag. There was an unopened card inside-from my mum. I must’ve missed it from a previous Christmas. I displayed it and will display it again this Christmas. I don’t care if anyone thinks it’s strange.

Spied · 11/12/2019 17:31

Lovely idea.
I'm going to hunt one out from my Grandparents.

Chesntoots · 11/12/2019 17:37

I don't display mine but keep the last card I receive from people for my birthday and Christmas.

If they survive another year, the old one gets binned! (Lost so many people over the last few years and have developed an odd sense of humour...)

I look at them occasionally and they make me a bit sad, but mostly make me smile.

Like a pp, my family considered them decorations too. I won't be doing that though.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page