Christmas dread

[LemoncHello7]

I've always joked that Christmas starts after late August bank holiday... I know that's exaggerated, but I was only part joking! As days get shorter, the countdown begins and Christmas gets harder to avoid.

We had a shocking and sudden death of a much loved family member last Boxing Day. We are all still reeling and I feel that anything to do with Christmas will send us nuts with grief again. There's nothing we can do to get away from it is there?

I've always sympathised with families in this position. Can't believe it's us this year.

Hi LemoncHello7 sorry to hear about your loss. We lost my lovely mil very close to Christmas and her birthday is a couple of days before Christmas to. This was 7 years ago now. I have to say we had that dread as Xmas approached. The first was the worst. It does get easier but you always feel the loss. Sounds naff but we have new traditions now, always remember mil and celebrate her birthday. Sadly Christmas is changed forever. It really does make it feel so much worse.

Thanks so much for taking the time to respond @Battlecat98

I'm sorry too for your loss. It's sounds like you are doing what you can to remember her. Hope we can do that too xx

We lost our beloved sister a few days after Christmas (thought she might go Christmas Day) she adored Christmas, she was born in December and died in December so we make it a thing now. We have a bauble with her photo in right at the top of the tree so she's never forgotten.