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!

An update from me. My mum passed away yesterday. It was very peaceful and all her family were with her.
In better news it looks like my house sale is back on again.
You are all amazing. ❤️

I'm so sorry Jannieb18. What a dreadful, shocking, painful time you've had. 🎉

Very sorry for your loss, @Jannieb18

Deepest of sympathise.
please be kind to yourself and be sure to do you xx

I saw a lady today, a customer, close to tears and very low…
Christmas is such a tough time for people who are on their own.. Aarhus lady lost her DH to cancer a couple of years ago and her son tragically to suicide
when he was a teen, although years ago how do you ever get over that? A knock at the door telling you your son
is dead?! Awful!
I couldn’t even say much to comfort her, just tell her she was ok talking to me and that there’s no time limit on grief! (Friends are telling her she should be over it by now!!)
I felt so sad for her and wish I could have offered more support.
it’s certainly a cold lonely time for many… I’m dreading being old and alone!

@T1Dmama . You are so right, there is no time limit on grief. Awful that her 'friends' are saying that, especially in the tragic circumstances of her son. You sound like a lovely person giving her a much needed handhold.

Sending you love and strength @Jannieb18

Hello all,

I posted on this thread not long after it went live, stating that our lease would be up next month and that we had nowhere to go…today I signed the lease for an immaculate new residence. I now have the keys to a beautiful home in my hot little hands.

My beautiful daughters and I have been living in DV transitional housing for the last three years. Before that, we were in emergency accommodation for several months. Before that…well, that was its own special kind of nightmare.

Night after night I have prayed for a solution, for hope, for a light at the end of the tunnel. Some nights since we received our “marching orders” for this address, all that has given me hope has been the thought of people out there on this thread sending us, and others on this thread, all their good juju…and please believe me when I write that I have been sending up prayers for you all as well…

I want to thank everyone for their positive, loving, hopeful, supportive and generous spirit on this thread…and to tell you about our little miracle. I can hardly believe it myself…but I do believe in the power of prayer and goodness and hope. And I wish to you all a bright, thriving, beautiful 2026 and more.

Thank you to you all. Sending all my love X

Congratulations! Hope you will all be very happy x

That’s wonderful wonderful news!!!! So happy for you xxx

@MysticChevron wonderful news, I can't begin to imagine the relief you must be feeling. I hope you and your family will be very happy there. x

All the best to all, and thanks for the comfort provided on this thread over such a sad Christmas. Here's hoping for a change of fortune and some peace for lots of us this year x

Just updating for me too. I was in the middle of a cancer diagnosis at Xmas with all the unknowns that surround it. Touch wood its not looking too bad. All other tests came out clear. Cancer is contained 🤞 just an op and then maybe chemo maybe not. Not out of the woods yet but feeling a bit better, fingers crossed.
Love to everyone on this heartbreaking but beautiful thread x

Glad to hear that @MysticChevron .

I'm happy to hear that you've had more positive news @Tillymint1234 . Love to you both.

@MysticChevron and @Tillymint1234 what glorious good news to start the weekend... I think sometimes we forget the story of Pandora's Box and forget about the gift of hope.

@MysticChevron If I lived near you, I would be knocking on your door with a lump of coal, so you are never cold, a twist of salt so you are never poor and a piece of bread so you never go hungry... 26 years ago we were clearing my mum's house and found her house warming gift from a great aunt when she had moved into the house on the day it was finished...I won't tell you about how her bed was delivered but they sent the mattress separately... so she ended up sleeping on the floor because the next day was Good Friday and she desperately wanted her own home, post war.

@Tillymint1234 I wish you a speedy recovery, may all your results arrive a day early, may your notes never go astray and may you ring the recovery bell loud and clear for all to hear!

Ahhhh what lovely updates. So happy for you @MysticChevron and @Tillymint1234

I’m another beneficiary of the kindness and support on this thread. I smiled and waved through Christmas having been told that my Mum was reaching the end of her life, and she died on 27 December.

Her funeral was yesterday and it was a lovely send off to a wonderful woman.