Grief at Christmas Time.

My husband died just before the Christmas three years ago.My Father died in January some years ago and my Grandfather on Dec 17th.I just plug on basically because you have to. Christmas will never be the same but we have to focus all our energies on the people that remain with us. Life is a privilege and a blessing we are wise to remember that always and try to be thoughtful and kind to everyone while we yet can.

I lost my beautiful Mum suddenly on Christmas Day, my god it was heartbreaking, been a few years now but the tears still come so easy for me, I miss her every day and yes i'm crying now, we were so, so close.

All I say is to be there for them if they need any support or help with anything but leave them to deal with things in their own way, everyone has their own way of dealing with these sorts of things, as long as they know your there for them.

My gran died Xmas day. We reckon it was on purpose she thought it's 6 o'clock you're on the port bugger you lot. She was 102 so while it's sad it's not really. Take it slowly

My uncle has cancer, they say he has a few months left, which probably means he has less than than that and won't see Christmas, it's a sad state of fact but you have to push on, life is cruel at times...

You don't..you just have to go through the process..no person can help you..words don't do anything..grief is grief and you will only deal with this in your own time x

We lost our Dad a couple of months before Christmas last year.

You just kind of band together, and prop each other up if someone is flagging.

It’s difficult to cope yet we all do. Raise a glass in private, shed a tear and do your best to carry on.

This will be our first Christmas without Granny. She passed suddenly in September. We are just focusing on making it brilliant for our son. We will have a toast to her later in the day and just power through.

Also I know its a different situation but when our son was born, he was seriously ill needed an operation at 22 hours old to breathe on his own. He was still seriously ill after that. He was born in the November and none of us celebrated Christmas that year. Tell him if he can't face the celebrations then not to celebrate. Christmas cheer is not compulsory.

My daddy passed Christmas eve 2018 12 days after I had given birth to my only child only advice I can give is be there for them comfort them let them know if they need you you will be there for them nothing much else you can do

Sorry to hear of your family situation. I guess it's best to not pretend to be happy. I've just realised this after spending years pretending I'm happy when I'm not. Don't put pressure on yourself it drives you crazy to pretend. Do whatever you or your family need to do. If that's spending time together or giving each other some space. Celebrating Christmas or not. Just do what you need to do.

JLouM, I'm sorry to hear your sad news. I try to think about the happy times I had with my mum, who I sadly lost last October because of neglect by the NHS

I would ask him what he needs (and his mother too if this is possible) and try to fulfil his wishes. Perhaps try to achieve a comforting presence for them rather than feeling any pressure to be joyful...

JLouM very sorry about your sad loss

JLouM thanks