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!

As we approach midday, I have poured out a glass which I raise to each and everyone of us, happy, sad or angry or indifferent, just know that there is a stranger wishing you all happier times ahead xxx

Bloody hell, women are ace!

@Oldtigernidster
I am so sorry .. thats tough .
Take care of yourself xx

I got a private counsellor for my daughter when she was like this and it helped enormously. Could this be an option? I'm so sorry, it's horrific to watch them go through this and feel so helpless. We are out the other side and i wish this coming year brings the same for you.

I have successfully completed my Emma Thompsoning til tomorrow when it begins anew. Will admit to internal screaming. But everything was to be expected

I'm just so sad for everyone having to bear so much, it's just heartbreaking. I'm on my own, but I'm totally ok with it, it's just peaceful. Sending love and strength to everyone dealing with such difficult times and may 2026 being brighter days. X

Both DH and I have been made redundant (completely different industries) from the New Year.
Not only is this incredibly stressful for us, my role was for a charity supporting women who have experienced domestic abuse, so I feel really guilty that I’ll be having to leave my caseload.

My lovely MIL is slowly killing herself as she is in complete denial over her disease. Today has been ok as it’s just been DH and DC, but I know he’s worried about this weekend when we see her and confront her. Tried to be as normal for him as possible, which he has said he’s appreciated. His DGM died last Christmas, so it’s a hard time for them all. Having Christmas at home away from everyone has actually really helped with the unforced happiness. DC have just eaten and played their way through the day, and enjoyed not being on show to various people that usually turn up at in-laws. We’re all still in pjs which is lovely.
About to drink the port and eat cheese! Work tomorrow, so only a couple of glasses, but they will be raised to you all and the strength you have, though may not feel.

That’s rough. Sending hugs 💐

Unfortunately the brave face failed today and I spent most of the day in bed. My husband has been amazing despite his own grief. I just couldn’t keep going. I’m sure it’ll get better but today it was just too much. And insensitive comments from both of our mothers doesn’t help at all. It’s amazing how thoughtless that generation can be.

Sending all of you hugs and love 🫂

I’m so sorry. Thinking of you tonight and your little one xx

I'm recovering from breast cancer and on top had shoulder surgery last week. My arm is so swollen and I'm in so much pain. My family are being lovely and doing everything for me and I'm smiling and joining in with the after dinner board.games. But I just want to go home to my own bed and my cat.

Love and strength to all of you amazing women making it through this Xmas x

We’re 4 weeks on from a very similar loss, have a similar aged older child and I had to disappear for a few cries today. It was rough. We got home and my husband just gave me a hug and said well that was a lot harder than I expected it to be. So I’m sending you lots of love, I can only imagine how much harder today would have been for you that close to your due date.

Hi, I might be able to help you. I’ll send you a DM rather than taking over this thread x

Another Christmas without either of my AC contacting me. 5 years after divorcing their father after 41 years together they blame me. Reading how you wonderful women are putting on your ET face for everyone else, as did I for many years, makes me want to cry. I think wr should step back, sit in a room and cry if we want so that those around us know how much we are carrying. Im sure my kids think that Im fi e with them not being in contact as Im "strong always have been" Well it wasn't through choice it was through love and care for those around me. But having spent e Christmases alone I know have a wonderful man I my life, and am doing my life the way I want it and should have done it years ago (20+)! Love and strength to all of you dealing with shit this holiday. Take time for yourself because at the end the only person that is always there for you is YOU. Took me years to get that but life is much better once you do xx

Another Christmas without either of my AC contacting me. 5 years after divorcing their father after 41 years together they blame me. Reading how you wonderful women are putting on your ET face for everyone else, as did I for many years, makes me want to cry. I think wr should step back, sit in a room and cry if we want so that those around us know how much we are carrying. Im sure my kids think that Im fi e with them not being in contact as Im "strong always have been" Well it wasn't through choice it was through love and care for those around me. But having spent e Christmases alone I know have a wonderful man I my life, and am doing my life the way I want it and should have done it years ago (20+)! Love and strength to all of you dealing with shit this holiday. Take time for yourself because at the end the only person that is always there for you is YOU. Took me years to get that but life is much better once you do xx

ET played Karen, the Prime Minister’s sister

What I’m finding hard is the feeling that I must be jolly. Everyone says merry Christmas to me and I just don’t feel merry. My best friend has just texted to ask if I had a great day yesterday. I didn’t, I’m glad it’s over.

As above, this is not your fault. You reflect what he gave you so if you were critical etc then he had something to do with that. I was mid 60s when I finally said "enough" and without knowing how I was hoping to manage I petitioned for divorce. It was not easy but I'd been through worse. Two years sorting my self and beginning to "live" again then met my new DH. My ex was seeing someone a month or so after I told him I was divorcing him! My life is on my terms now and its great. Neither of my AC are in my life (their choice) but I will not let that spoil whatever time I have left on this earth. You've got this, may not seem like it today, but you have x

As above, this is not your fault. You reflect what he gave you so if you were critical etc then he had something to do with that. I was mid 60s when I finally said "enough" and without knowing how I was hoping to manage I petitioned for divorce. It was not easy but I'd been through worse. Two years sorting my self and beginning to "live" again then met my new DH. My ex was seeing someone a month or so after I told him I was divorcing him! My life is on my terms now and its great. Neither of my AC are in my life (their choice) but I will not let that spoil whatever time I have left on this earth. You've got this, may not seem like it today, but you have xl

This thread is so poignant & heartbreaking.
It shows how irrelevant most issues are.
Sending love to you all.

Obviously OP is not linking brave faces personally to Emma Thompson; if she used the character's name significantly fewer people would engage with this thread as no one would have a clue what it meant.

Why not find or create a thread where you can criticise 'Love Actually' to your heart's content rather than inappropriately gatecrash a thread to support people putting on a brave face while going through a terrible time at Christmas?

Your post is tone deaf.

Absolutely!
If she had used the name "Karen" in the title it would have given completely the wrong impression of what the thread was about