First xmas with no family

[snowman72]

I'm sure many of you struggled with Xmas, it's a tough time when your dealing with bereavement.

For me it was the first year without both my parents and my sister and I have a difficult relationship so she didn't bother with me.

I knew all this but I have my dp, my 2 dc and 2 dsc. I Cooked xmas dinner for us all and it was lovely but deep down I missing my family as we visited his mum, his brother and a day out with his family. They are lovely but it's just not the same and I got really depressed and fed up! Does this get easier I'm thinking, probably not, maybe you get used to it. I know my mum would really upset with my sister, I feel sorry for my dcs too they spend most of their time around my dps family.

Awe, it does get easier although I’m lucky that my sister and I do get on. This was my 6th Christmas without my Mum. She always spent Christmas with us and it’s when I miss her most. She used to say how lovely it was sitting down to a beautiful meal that someone had cooked for you and I’m no cook! The first year without her I cried at the dinner table. This year, although I felt her absence, I was able to enjoy the memories. Both dh’s parents are dead too so we just kind of do our own thing now.
Can you plan some special times doing things with just dh and/or the children. I did some “mummy and son” bonding days with my boys individually, letting them choose where we went. It will get easier but it will probably take a while.

I'm sorry for your loss.

But that's quite a misleading thread title. Focus on the family you have. It will get easier.