Parents not with their children Christmas Day

[LorlieS]

Just to say as a loving mum without her boys that I see you, understand, and want you to know that you are not alone 💔

When they grow up they’ll know you were there for them on the other, less glamorous days of the year

It's the first time I won't have seen him at all on Xmas day, we've swapped half way through before. I'm surprisingly OK with it. I think I am happier knowing he is having a nice time than I would be if I demanded he come home after lunch and have to leave the new toys etc. He'd be tired and grumpy after the mornings excitement now he's old enough to "get it" and I'd still not have had the Xmas eve/Xmas morning joy to be part of!

He'll be back tomorrow though, so not long to wait for my turn.

I've just been messaging mine (young & nearly adult, both at their dads) and for some reason they were both screenshooting their phones and sending to my and each other. Made me smile.

Lazy day today and Christmas (mark 2 for them) tomorrow.

I missed my boys so much last night. It was harder then I thought it would be.
The pros was that I could take time sorting everything out and not overwhelming myself with activities eyc...
The con was that they just weren't there :(
I'm picking them up shortly and we will do our Xmas Eve tonight, but it's not the same. It's so hard to feel so left out of Christmas isn't it? 😢

Sending love to you all ❤️

The first Xmas morning in many years without being woken when it's still dark. As long as they had a nice time with their dad, I'm happy for them. I've had a nice, quiet, staid sort of morning, and I'll go collect them soon.

Thanks for your sympathy, but I loved not having to worry about Christmas because I knew my dd was with her grandparents and having a wonderful time.

@Coyoacan With all due respect, that's a very different situation as I'm guessing that's by choice? Some of us sadly are not that fortunate.

@GHSP I can but wish as I only see them EOW 😞

My dc are with me this year, it was hard last year without dd2. Their dad is ok though, he told them to be with me (he's gone away with the dog!) I'm thankful my ex isn't keeping score like so many. Hugs to you all alone without dc, but remember once they are grown like mine, they won't forget you did all the mundane things, my dc made that clear to exh

What a lovely thoughtful post OP.🥰I've had mine until 1pm so count myself lucky but feeling a bit teary about it now. I literally don't see anyone else on Christmas Day. Im
spending an hour sending useful info and messages of support to other OPs who are in abusive relationships or suffering DV and generally having an appalling time. I may be lonely but I'm safe in my own home and feeling lucky in a lot of ways. Happy Christmas x

@Dinkydoo17 Aw thank you. I know the pain so I just wanted other mums to know they are not alone. Courts went 50/50 with my abusive and controlling ex-husband when boys were just 3 and 6, and more recently he gained majority custody so I feel it keenly. You think I'd be used to 10/11 days on the trot without them by now, missed birthdays, Christmases, new years etc, but it's still bloody hard. It's shit for their 3 yo sister too but hubby and I try to look on the bright side for her and stay positive as best we can ❤️