My mum died just over 3 weeks ago.
I am devastated by her loss. Feel beside myself at times. So are my DF and my 3 children. I have spent every Christmas in my 54 years in my parents’ house. My mother-in-law and brother-in-law usually join us. And it was pretty much open house. Over the years lots of other family members have joined in too. My mum was the heart of Christmas.
I feel panicky at the thought of Christmas in the family home without her. I just think we shall all miss her too much there. Part of that panic is wondering how my father and my children (my oldest in particular will cope). The alternatives would be to have it at our house (just a short walk away) or to go to a rental cottage or hotel. My eldest DC is 20 and has briefly spoken about it to me (she raised it). She thinks going away might be best. All my 3 children loved my mother enormously and are reeling from her death.
I shall obviously not do anything without speaking to DF about it. But it seems too soon to do that at the moment. However, I’m aware that things will book up fairly soon.
At present I’m thinking a nice rental property in the same county with room for DF and DMIL. But it’s hard to know how we all will feel in 4 months.
Just for clarity; although we always celebrated Christmas at my parents’ house, for the last few years the food and general preparation has been done by me. So that side of things is not new to me.
Obviously all views are welcome. But especially those who have had experience of the first Christmas after the loss of a parent.