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!

@thesecondmrsdewinter20 @Tillymint1234

Thank you. I haven't admitted this to anyone until now, your kindness is appreciated. Unfortunately it really is that bad, I made a dreadful mistake and then let it spiral rather than face it, I was drowning in everything else, and just couldn't keep all the balls in the air. This doesn't excuse what I have done. It isn't facing the consequences that is destroying me, but knowing how disappointed everyone will be.

Sending so much love and strength to you all.

My problems are not as bad as a lot of other posters. My two adoptive children are not in contact since my DD (who has autism, adhd and eupd) made serious allegations against my DS (who is also autistic) nearly 2 years ago. I knew at the time she wasn't telling the truth.She now lives in supported accomodation about a mile away. My DH does not have good health.

I have extremely bad anxiety, I always was anxious but I'm on beta blockers now, since all this happened . DD is rubbish with money and on benefits and I do support her more than I should financially, leaving me short. She uses cannabis though is trying to cut down. I'm terrified of the choices she might make in life.

I see my daughter most days. She speaks positively about her brother quite often but she'll never be able to be honest about wjat happened.

On Christmas Day, me and DH will see her for a dog walk while DS stays home. I'll take her stocking to her tomorrow. She loves Christmas. I wish she could be here even if she didn't live here but at the moment that's not possible.

We lost a good friend to cancer this year, after many years illness.

My heart goes out to all those dealing with bereavement, cancer, loneliness.

Sorry for the essay.

Thanks for sharing all your stories.
Somehow, I feel less alone and your support will make the day abit easier.
I send my heartfelt support to all of you. Virtual hugs and support ❤

Divorce and a very recent ND diagnosis here. It will just be DC and me as I have no family in this country. STBXH will visit and we'll make things nice and normal for DC but I know he'll bail as soon as he can so it'll just be me entertaining DC. Bit sad that it will be our last Christmas together but then I think about last Christmas and how much it sucked because either he wasn't there or he was but not fully present, so I did everything alone anyway. Best get used to it!

Luckily my DC are ace and happy to just chill and get festive, and I am lucky to be able to spend my Christmas with them, even if it's bittersweet this year.

🙄 So it was your turn today tanstaafl.

I think that ET is a nice enough person that she wouldn't give a fuckety fuck about her real name being used in Mumsnet, especially if it was helping an anonymous mother to cope with a personal crisis.

Unexpected, tragic bereavement last week.In the midst of funeral arrangements and grief I have to pretend to enjoy christmas day.

My dad has dementia and struggles massively with conversations now. This Xmas we (myself and mum / siblings ) will all try and put on a brave face but inside we are all grieveing the dad of previous years and the unknown of whether it will be his last.
The young kids will provide some light relief I hope x

Hugs to all those being brave

I have no words so I will give you a massive virtual hug xxx

Empathising with you both! I had PPD 3 times and my DD1, now 18, was the clingiest baby - literally couldn't put her down for a minute or she would scream her head off for the first several months. Although you probably can't believe it now, there is light at the end of the tunnel. She is currently out with friends and I'll be lucky to see her at SOME point today or this evening!

Ah thank you. I have a successful business but it wasn’t in the “right” job so I was considered a failure. I’ve done well and I’m happy with my life.

Having two teens though and all the explosions and moods they bring, and very little other adult input, it’s easy to believe the negative things.

I should have been giving birth this week. I wasn't as far along as you but I am finding it unbearably painful, especially as DDs birthday is tomorrow and the comparisons are everywhere. Sending love xxxx

Sending all my Iove to you all. One thing about Christmas is that it's a time to spread love and I'm doing that to you all and wrapping my arms around you from afar. Hope your new years are brighter xxxx

@KnittedMam your story resonates with me as I have similar circumstances. My wonderful mum who was the glue holding us together died 2 years ago and things will never be the same again. Losing my job was a relief, I would never have left, just hoped things would get better.
Please do the best for yourself. Look after your needs, try to sleep. Sending hugs and support 💐

Does it matter, really? When you read what people are writing?

Exactly.

why?

Exactly. Also I am literally just back from seeing it at the cinema and I still couldn't tell you the character's name. I'm not sure she actually has one!

Sending hugs and strengths to everyone tackling their own challenges this Christmas xx

You won’t be the first or the last to muck up like this. It sounds like you are now ready to face the music and that will count for a lot. and when these things happen, there are often issues with the system rather than just the individuals, even when somebody has misplaced finances etc. Maybe some good can come out out of it even. Don’t let work ruin your Christmas.

I should be 12 weeks pregnant and announcing my pregnancy at Christmas but pretending everything is ok for my other children. Love to all of you struggling ❤️

Massively helpful and relevant contribution to the thread. Thanks so much for sparing the time to share.

I have no words that could offer you comfort, but I am so very sorry about the terrible pain you are going through. I am sending you as much love as is possible through the Internet, to a stranger, but a stranger who is a mum going through such horrendous pain, so in someways not a stranger at all. I very much hope that you have some tangible loved ones support as well ❤️

Yep. Christmas here with a 5 year old who is disabled and autistic so can't handle it at all. I'll be putting the smile on for older teen child and assuring everyone that it's all fine and I can handle being bitten/kicked/headbutted constantly while covering up the bruises. When older one goes to his dad's about lunchtime christmas will be over for us and will try to survive rest of the day.
Something needs to change in 2026 as I'm in pieces and clearly his needs aren't being met. Genuinely thinking the only way out would be if I wasn't here any more. He'd get put in care and would get the help he needs and his sibling would be free to live his life.

Lost my first born on 09/01 (stillbirth).......always a bit of an ET moment this time of year

I was having a mini pity party until I read this thread. It’s made me realise how lucky I am, and how strong people are- whether they want to be or not.
Several years ago I was facing my first Christmas as a single parent with my youngest being 18 months old with my dad already being unable to cope owing to his post severe stroke cognitive ability.
Lots of difficult things have happened in Decembers since; however reading this thread I am humbled and grateful for all I have.
Proud of all of those of you who have shared with incredible dignity. May you find some peace or solace, even for a moment.