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

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We all know the scene from ‘Love Actually’. AIBU to think I’m not the only one who is doing an Emma Thompson this Christmas? I.e. putting a brave face on whilst everything else crumbles around you?

You can share why you’re Emma Thompsoning your way through the festive period or just give a knowing nod whilst you scream inside.

Me? I’ve split up with my partner as I’ve realised it’s a toxic relationship after an incident last week. I’ve told no one and he’s back home after 4 night away. I am just smiling through it all so our daughter doesn’t have a shit Christmas and more difficult memories to work through in future therapy.

Separation, divorce, grief, bereavement, complicated family, homelessness or financial ruin?

Here’s to getting through the next few days and a brighter 2026!

My 16 year old DD with history of self harm put herself in mortal danger ten days ago. Miraculously, she survived - with mutiple fractures in her face and a cranial hematoma.

A friend from psych ward who was worried about her killed himself two days later. His parents are amazing but I feel so guilty - could I have reassured him? Stopped her?

Been lying to her siblings about what happened and now she's due to come home and full of grand ideas about how she'll look after herself all by herself. Dear god.

But 12 year old wants presents under tree and a buffet, so here we go.

I lost a pregnancy last year in traumatic circumstances. I somehow got through last Christmas - I think by mainly focusing on the fact that the baby wouldn't have been there anyway even if they hadn't died (as they weren't due until spring this year). But this should have been their first Christmas and that's hard to cope with this year.

Came on here to moan but after reading majority of the posts it has knocked me back down to earth, humbled is an understatement

Women are bloody remarkable, I wish you all a merry Christmas and an easier new year!!

Would it have been wiser to split with him after Christmas? Less strain over Christmas probably.

Deeply humbled by the many devastating stories on this thread.

Mine isn’t a life or death scenario but it’s been a tricky year - I’ve started on HRT (today) and have had to give up the idea of having a baby after many years trying. My career tanked & my husband has also been struggling professionally. We’re both feeling lost & I certainly feel that I have forgotten what I offer the world.

Am increasingly anxious which I’m hoping the HRT will help but since I read that it can increase your risks of breast cancer (and given I am currently supporting a dear friend through said illness), I am even more anxious & can’t sleep.

Well said. I agree. Really overwhelmed by the strength shown by women on here.

Indeed: there’s always one.

Cancer and upcoming mastectomy next month. But, I am so grateful for the care and support I have had from the staff at the chemo unit, and my parents who have been wonderful. Sending love and hugs to everyone who is struggling xx

The run up to our Christmas has been horrible. I'm expecting a baby in March but still made the 7 hour round trip to see my mum who was her usual snippy self. Apparently I'm too fat!
I also had to tell her that my brother who has a severe mental illness has been recalled to prison for breaking bail conditions. He was living with us and we had hell whilst he went on a 3 day bender. His probation officer said he was to have a short sharp shock and he was not to come back to us afterwards. The police took 4 nailbiting days to pick him up.
Our visit to in-laws today was postponed because dh's mother's heart went wappy and she is now in hospital refusing visitors. Dh is freaking out and I've told him to go anyway but he won't.
I'm stressed beyond belief

🙄 Always one

Do you know her personally?

Because I do & I can tell you she would find
it hilarious someone was making a stand like this on her behalf.

Haven't read all the responses but sending hugs to all of you going through whatever crap has been thrown your way. Mine is incredibly minor in comparison but dislocated my shoulder last week and just smiling through the pain - sort of! Very sleep deprived as a result too ... But Merry Christmas everyone!

That was me over 20 years ago. I didn’t manage to keep up the facade through new years.

Emma Thompson perfectly encompassed the lives of far too many women in that one scene. She deserves to be recognized for its importance to so many people.

I am so so lonely. I have no family on my side. No one left. We live in a foreign country. My husband is from another country all together, we are spending the Christmas there with his family. I love him, but he does not understand me, or why this is a difficult time of the year for me. I am an alien in his family. The foreigner. I go through the motions for my children. Over the years I have learned what’s expected from me, and what to do and how to behave, but I am not and will never be part of it. If it wasn’t for my children, I’d just disappear.

My best friend of thirty years died very suddenly early December. I’m heartbroken for her and her three young dc. Her DH, the DCs also died in recent years. It’s just so sad. One half of me wants to curl up in a ball and cry. The other half wants to celebrate the f**k out of Xmas in case it’s my last with my kids.

My 12 year old daughter came on a car trip with me tonight and has (totally unlike her) cried rivers as he feels her Dad favours her brother and has no time for her anymore. She was previously thick as thieves with him. Thing is it’s true. He has become totally tunnel vision on one boy and completely ignores our other two children. I'm so sad for her too that she realises this and for my other brilliant boy.

Overall DH is a nearly 100% prick. I should have left many years ago. He didn’t attend or even ask anything about my friends funeral. He doesn’t care about me

i hope everyone has a peaceful Xmas

@DudududuMV ❤️

I’m so sorry to read this.

My DD has a completely useless/neglectful father. He is a complete cocktrumble. BUT, she knows she will always have security, love & whatever else she needs with me.

Your daughter will see the same - but it will take time & your support.

Can you leave?

I’m so sorry to hear you’ve lost your son. My deepest condolences.

I just had an operation - nothing major but am feeling shitty w the after-effects and have been awake since 2am. Adult DD is brokenhearted after the end of a relationship and is moping about in ‘the trackie bottoms of doom’.

Please don’t think this. Both of your children need you and you sound absolutely at the end of your tether. Is there anyone IRL you can turn to? Is there any chance of respite care for your youngest? I’m so sorry you are going through this 💐

Well. My partner and I had a baby 6 months ago. We've been together 2 years. He has a 2.5 year son old with his ex. I've just found out that he has hidden the existence of me and our daughter from his ex. The ex found out yesterday and messaged me on instagram. His son is a part of our lives, he comes to stay EOW, the mother had no idea my partner had even introduced a partner to their son. My head is spinning. I don't want to bring it up with my partner just before Christmas, I want to get through our dd's first Christmas. But my head is spinning.

I’m so sorry you’re having to shoulder the burden of this worry alone. Is there anything we can do? I’m pretty sure 99% of people on this thread have fucked up at work in one way or another. I’m sure your kids will not think of you in any other way than their lovely parent. Sending you strength to get through these next few days. 💐

so sorry you are going through this. Are you sure the ex is not trying to cause trouble between you? Can you sit down and have a conversation with your partner about this?

Sending lots of love to everyone. This post is another reminder that you never know what anyone is going through so be kind, always. Us women are truly amazing.

I was there last year with divorce, dad’s cancer and nan with dementia. My nan passed away in August and Christmas was her favourite time of the year. She would want me to enjoy every moment so I’ll be going so for her this year.

This glimmer quote has helped me a lot this past 18 months

💕💕💕 to you all. Apart from the one poster who can't read the room!