How to explain recent estrangement from family to young children?

[Dahlie]

Had to go completely non-contact with two close family members due to abusive outbursts- swearing, name calling, outrageous accusations. It hasn't been provoked at all, but has been the product of a misunderstanding. However, I can not reason with them, nor am I willing to try to after the horrible, hurtful things they have said to me.

My children love one of these family members dearly as they can be fun to be around. They haven't seen them for a couple of months and are now asking to see them, they will be expecting a normal, family gathering at Christmas, with presents from them and it isn't going to happen.

How do I explain this? They are 9 and 5.
I really don't want to think they have done anything wrong when there is no visit and no present this Christmas. I just don't know what to say and how to say it without burdening their little shoulders? 💔

They will gradually get used to them not being there, but in the meantime be honest but gentle. Just explain that sometimes adults can be upset with each other too.

I would start drip-feeding to them now - that your relatives and you are having a difficult time, they love to kids and are thinking of them but they won’t be able to come this Xmas and it isn’t anything the kids have done. Mention this regularly without making a huge deal of it.

How sad. What a shame you don’t even think they will send cards/present for the kids by post.

I have bought Christmas presents for their children @Rockingchai but I genuinely think they will send them back too. Still going to send them though. My children won't get anything at all from them I don't think. They have turned really nasty.