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

[Changes26]

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!

Sending love to everyone, my child aged 12 was in hospice this time 4 years ago and died in January.

I have a neck issue which makes me dissociated, depressed and full of doom and fear when it kicks off. I dont know when it's going to kick off but it decided to yesterday. Then today I called the nursing home my friend is in to let them know I was coming with her Christmas present. They told me she died 2 weeks ago. My perimenopause is coming to an end after 10 years and so my hormones are on a rollercoaster even more than usual and im not in my right mind. I am also hosting tomorrow same as usual and I wish everyone the best of luck. This year has been tough for so many.

My Dad died 6 weeks ago. We were estranged but weird things have totally floored me eg. Christmas lights we would visit together, a very unique prize won at a raffle which is something he used to buy me…

I’ve been off work since his death and don’t feel fit to work due to the death as it’s a confrontational job and I just keep crying.

Thought I was ok until my daughter said “you clearly aren’t fit to go back to work yet” 😢. Hoping to pick up over Xmas albeit it’s a difficult time. I get that more than ever now.

So just making my way through for my kids really and trying not to overthink.

Sending thoughts and love

I had a dream a week ago my partner was texting another woman, I made a joke of it and he got his back up a bit which made me suspicious.

My partner took my kids away to his London to visit family for a few days at end of last month.

I found a message on his phone today, it started from his brother to his girl saying they where out and if she wanted to join them. Followed by a message from my partner to her saying bring that spanish girl out if your coming (btw it’s partners name)

I then found a deleted d**k pic that isn’t actually my partners so he’s either turned gay or save a pic off line to send to someone.

last year we hit a rough patch and I found a message of him declaring he was thinking how he could have made different choices and he loved a girl he used to work with years ago, and he wanted to take her away for the weekend and just have sex with her.

so yeah that’s my Christmas this year

I was Emma Thompsoning last Christmas and the one before. Just me and my kids this year as I have blocked contact with their Dad. It gets better, I’m not fully ‘there’ but I’m certainly getting there.

I hope you have the best Christmas you can have under the circumstances. Same to everyone else ❤️ Wishing everyone all the best for 2026.

I’m so sorry. Bereavement after estrangement is a whole new world of lonely, confusing, grief-laced mindfuckery. Give yourself time and grace.

Absolutely! Bereavement for me, my Dad died in November a few years ago and the firsts hit so hard, especially when so raw. You're deeply grieving but have to carry on, same with other past events. Just because it's Christmas it doesn't flip a switch to be happy, the harsh and cruel reality of life changes you forever. Xxx

Thank you. It really is. I feel like people don’t understand.

My Christmas is great this year, but 5 years ago I had just been diagnosed with cancer on the 10th dec and found out on the 23rd that it was a particularly aggressive type and that I would need years of chemo. It was a pretty shitty Christmas that year but I had to hold it together for the sake of my 7 and 9 year old children.

Life gets better, I’m only 18 months out of chemo and still living with the side effects but for now I am cancer free and in remission, that feels good!

First Xmas after divorce, kids (each of whom have been distraught by being bullied this year) are with their father for Xmas, my mum has had a fall, broken limbs in various places and is in hospital 2 hours away, having had surgery today, and I can’t visit her (or go to the party I was going to attend tonight) as I’ve developed the Christmas holiday lurgy and am really unwell. For the first time ever in almost 50 years I’m totally alone on Xmas Eve, feeling sorry for myself and worrying about others.

For so many reasons 2025 has been absolutely shite (although with pockets of brightness). Time for things to improve now, please!

I am so sorry your pain is increasing. Is there a plan for pain relief? Such a cruel illness x

Ailing parents, an accident during the year that caused PTSD and now clinical depression to boot. The nothingness is a killer. I’m normally so full of life and being so flat is horrible. Not helped by getting out of bed being a mammoth task at the moment.

I'm waiting for results from cancer biopsies.
When I called the receptionist slipped and said that the consultant would be in touch to discuss next steps, then corrected herself to say, would be in touch to give me results. That doesn't sound like a negative results to me, and it's playing on my mind. I'm pretending to not know my results are back or that I suspect they're not great.

Sometimes a thread just stops you in your tracks and makes you realise that your life really ain't that bad. This is one of those threads. Sending love and light to everyone struggling with life right now for whatever reason. I hope 2026 sees you all having a much better time of it x

Not everyone around you is playing happy families though thats the thing.

Thankyou. Just feeling incredibly sorry for myself. I’m working with my pain team, but have so many different types of pain from this tumour, it’s hard to keep it in check.

Missing someone I shouldn’t so very much.

I’m sooo sorry this has happened to you and I’m soo sorry for all the other posters with huge problems and illnesses 😢 I hope all of you get through the day and wish you all lots of love for the coming year .
incidentally I doubt Emma Thompson would give a shit actually but my god if that’s all some people can take from this post that’s just cold and heartless !!!

@Helpless0190
Please don’t belittle yourself. Like many of the posters on here, you’re going through a very tough time.

Reframe how you see yourself, you’re a Jolie Laide, revel in your curves. It will take time and won’t be a walk in the park, I hope you come to find a way to enjoy your life without your husband. Do it for yourself and your DD. Fuck your STBXH, he doesn’t deserve you. But you deserve you.

This thread is absolutely heartbreaking. It just goes to show we all have our struggles and unless anyone says anything, we don't know what people are coping with.
I've had a totally shit year, but it pales in comparison to all I've read here.
Yes, we are women, yes we are strong, but we are also allowed to have a meltdown and a bloody good cry when it gets too much.
I am sending lots of love, light in the darkness and hugs to every single one of you facing awful circumstances and let's hope we all have a better and more positive 2026 🩷💐

I am sorry fellow adhd person here . I have lost so many jobs to it so I do sympathise.

Just to allay your fears, HRT increased cancer risk is the same as having an extra glass of wine a week.
It made a massive difference to me. Hopefully you will see the benefit for you.
I’m sorry hear about friend

Small in comparison to some of these, but my beloved cat died on the 3rd. Old age, fell asleep and went peacefully in his own home. Lovely job done of the cremation, etc.

But I'm broken. I've had a tough few years. Was reminded of Mum dying of cancer, of the people I've lost (and there have been many), my brother, the last of my family, also was diagnosed with cancer this year (in remission now). My own health has been rubbish and I'm struggling with autistic burnout and overload.

Watched the Snowman as I do every year and I teared up, remembering the first time I saw it in 1982 and how it was the best Christmas ever with the Sindy doll house, all the furniture, my dolls all posed inside - opening the door to the sitting room that day was pure magic, all made possible by my widowed Mum, who no doubt was having her own ET moments, and Granny.

Too much loss, my lovely old cat was helping me heal and regulate. Now I'm a mess. Take care, everyone.

My DB is in ICU after a huge stroke - he is very poorly tonight and my DD (17) told me she was pregnant this morning. My anxiety is through the roof and I feel totally overwhelmed tbh. I have read all the other stories and send my love and support to all those struggling, for whatever reason xx