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!

This film is my xmas fav.
My audhd child actually got out of bed at 1230 pm, seemed happy with her presents, ate her chinese whilst i ate my xmas dinner and actually watched this movie with me. So my xmas actually turned out a lot better than expected.

Next year I will cont to fight for her ( this absorbs every part of me). Ive asked for an emergency review of her EHCP. Shes been through self harming this year and is on her 3rd secondary now. Her mental health and self esteem has been shot for 3 yrs now, as is mine now.

Today was a win for now.

I am sending you all love because my problems pail into significance. Loss, health and depression overcome me too but not to the extend some of you have. Sending you all love and hoping 2026 is better for us all.

You can ask your GP for a 'right to choose' private referral. Wtg times aren't as long as CAHMS route.

I'm happy to report I ET'd like a pro yesterday. DC had a nice time with their dad (STBXH) and I did not cry once. I had got him a tiny little present but ended up keeping it because it would have reminded us both of the good times and I didn't want any emotional overload for any of us. Everything was very civil and we had some laughs. It will be weird having separate Christmases next year but it will be for the best.

I hope everyone had a bearable day yesterday. 💐

My mum has rectal cancer and is having treatment, hoping the tumour is shrinking.

I’m so sorry about your son, Endeavour.

It’s 5 years since my 20 year old son took his own life.

It means that my whole life, never mind Christmas, will never be the same again 😞

Sending strength and hugs to you x

Boxing Day for me, my baby’s dropped badly in regards to growth, and currently waiting to find out what the next steps are, 37 weeks pregnant with a 3 year old and trying to put a cherry face on!

The best acting in that film: mark, having been busted by juliet, steps out of his flat into the street, holding his head in his hands, cant decide if he should go back or not, in a total spin. You can really feel his anxiety. Very realistic moment!

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

Losing a child to suicide seems to me the very hardest blow a parent can suffer. I have had other ET moments, mostly around my DH's ill health but a few years ago, we feared that our (only child) DS was in extremis and would take his life. Anxiety off the scale, so sending my heartfelt sympathy to every MNettter who has had to live on after such an ordeal.

Me too, over 3 days at the end of a year that’s seen poorly parents, poorly children, horrific SEND battles with our local authority, really tricky work situations, emergency building work after a house flood and the loss of one of my best friends. I have held everything together for everyone and I am so, so tired.

Sorry for loss

Since her character was called Karen, and given that KAREN means something different these days, I’d say emma Thompson is the more appropriate name of the two to use!

Well done! I’m so proud of all women who find the power within to leave these awful abusive men!
Please take care and use your support network. Men are most dangerous when being left!

Don't blame yourself because your husband can't keep it in his pants. It was his choice to do that
If he felt that there were issues that drove him to finding a new 'friend', he could have talked things over with you and you could both have made a decision on what to do next. He decided not to do that. Hugs and 💐to you and everyone on this thread who is having such a tough time at the moment.🙏for a better 2026 for us all.

Thanks to everyone who has posted on this thread. As others have said, there are some amazing women out there carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders.

After rallying for a couple of days my mum died peacefully last night. My Dad was able to spend Christmas Day with her, my brother and SiL spent time with her on Boxing Day and I saw her yesterday afternoon. I still can’t quite believe she has gone, but am taking comfort from the thought that she is no longer suffering. She’s another strong woman who had been through so much in recent years since she became unwell.

My deepest sympathy to you and your family.

I'm so sorry. You and your family will be in my thoughts.

My condolences @OhOneOhTwoOhThree , it’s a horrible time of year to lose someone. I hope the admin/etc isn’t too arduous over the new year & I hope you get some time to pause, reflect, rest and regroup.

So sorry to hear your news. Sending my condolences.

Nearly there...tomorrow my DS10 comes home after a week with his abusive father who is busy trying to undermine/alienate our loving relationship.

I think my most challenging ET moment will be when he walks through the door (I am trying not to think about him being very late or not being brought home at all..) because the tears of relief at seeing him (I've been allowed to talk to him precisely once) will be very near. And I need to hold it together so that we can finally enjoy our Christmas together.

Thank you for your likes Compared to some of the posts I have read it was not so awful. I survived, remarried and our kids have a good relationship with everybody. My ex and I are also friends. Life is too short.

This is heartbreaking to read. Some men don’t deserve their children. I hope your precious son is home safe in your arms very soon 💐

I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. Your mum sounds like a wonderful lady. Treaaure all those precious memories xxx

Belatedly, thanks to everyone who responded to my post, it helped. Will light a candle tonight and think of everyone who is grieving, and especially of those grieving for loved ones dead by their own hand.

Happy New Year everyone. I hope you all got through the festive period and know how strong you all are.

@OhOneOhTwoOhThree I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope this year brings some peaceful moments for you.