Christmas makes me cry - and yes I am a single mum

[SAHMlikeitHOT]

How to cope with making sure my 2 kids experience 'magic of Christmas' when i am feeling so low? Its the second Christmas since I left my husband after a very long time together, and getting out the fairy lights tonight has left me in tears and feeling desperate. It is so much NOT what I wanted for my kids.... BUT I don't want him back.

How old are your kids?

My guess is your head is full of memories of christmas past - I would try to reclaim it by making some new happy memories. What things have you wanted to do in the past but haven't because your ex wouldn't have been on board? What new traditions could you start? I used to hate my birthday (years of disappointment waiting for a card from my dad that never appeared) so for the last 10 years we have tried to go away over my birthday and now I enjoy them far more. I'm not saying go away for xmas but finding a way to switch it to positive experiences might help

Christmas is also making me cry. My mum died two months ago and, like you, I'm struggling with making sure my two kids experience the 'magic of Christmas'. I don't really have any advice but I'm sure it will get easier in the future and maybe the kids' enthusiasm for Christmas will rub off on us. Take care.

How about ditching the fairy lights for paper chains / something different / create atmospheric lighting with candles instead... Basically if something reminds you of past years and upsets you, change it - Christmas comes in many shapes and you being happy and full of Christmas cheer is more important than the trivial stuff. Change the trivial stuff to make new memories and associations and cut out the sad associations as far as you can.

Hope your feeling ok today.