I should probably just get this out of the way now:
I dislike Christmas, because it’s a difficult time of the year for me.
My wife and son love Christmas, and I do not want to spoil it for them.
But sometimes it is freaking difficult to maintain my facade. And today is one of those days.
Here are 2 reasons why Xmas is tough for me.
#christmas #GriefSucks
@JPSCHWEIZER63 Man! Im sorry Jeannine! 🫂 Fake it until January and try not to (1) ruin it for my family, and (2) try not to go crazy! 💙
@jeffdavenport You are a good husband and father, to make the best of the holidays for their sake. Your grief is understandable. I hope their joy brings you peace.
@sugarpopspete Thank you! That’s a healthy way to look at it. I’ll try to do just that! 💙
@jeffdavenport
❤️
I'm sorry
@emeli thank you Emeli! 💙
Unimaginable blow to lose two loved ones at Christmas time. I’m so sorry.
I had issues around Christmas and joined a group working on overcoming holiday-related grief. It helped me immensely.
Just a thought.
@LnzyHou Thanks Lindsay! That’s good advice!
I’m sorry this season is marred by loss 😔
How loving of you to protect it for your family 💜
Lots of empathy and comfort here, if you need it through the holidays.
@Minholkin Thank you! It is appreciated! 💙
Well, I am speaking sincerely from experience and not simply saying something nice in reply <3
CoSo is place of understanding and empathy, particularly around loss
@Minholkin This place - and you people- are truly awesome! 🥺
This is true 💖😊
@jeffdavenport I lost my mom just before Christmas 3 years ago. I share your conflicted feelings. But, it also allows me to remember all of the warm, happy (and sometimes awkward) holiday seasons we had together. I hope this year's holiday brings you solace and love.
@Chiefb2 I’m sorry for your loss Chief! It’s comforting to hear that others share my situation ! 💙
@jeffdavenport @Chiefb2 💙 You aren't alone, this is a rough time of year for me, for a similar reason.
I have a friend who is in a similar situation, she signs her holiday cards "Happy Horridays" and I nod when I get one.
@heyrhiannon Thank you! It sounds like a lot of us are just hanging on during the holidays. 💙 @Chiefb2
I can imagine that would make it difficult to celebrate at this time of year.
I'm sure you've heard every "memories keep them alive in your heart" comment imaginable, so I'll just say
I understand.
You do you.
Say something if you need support, it flows here without restraint or judgment.💛
@Irishroze Than you Roze! 💙
@jeffdavenport # There are no words for such a great loss. #griefsucks
@J_Windrow Thank you Journey! 💙
@jeffdavenport I'm so sorry. 😢
@smittycanada1 Thanks Smitty!
@jeffdavenport This time of year is so difficult for so many people. 😢
@smittycanada1 So true! Don’t get me wrong, I manage to make it through each year, but I recognize that others have bigger issues than I do. My heart goes out to those less fortunate!
@jeffdavenport I’m sorry. My father died December 27, 2012. Christmas was his favorite time of year.
@auntpama I’m sorry for your loss too! It’s nice to know there are others in the same boat! 💙
I'm so, so sorry. What a deep loss to have to relive annually, no matter how many years have gone by.
Have you thought about celebrating on the closest weekend, rather than the day? Not sure if it would help much, but I'm just throwing something out that I would try myself.
Sending virtual hugs. You're a great dad and husband 💜
@ExecutiveFunction404 Thank you! 💙
It’s a whole thing, we always travel at Xmas to the town where I’m from and where my wife’s parents live (and where mine lived).
So it’s the anniversary coupled with going back “home” and - well, you get the idea!
My goal is to get through it and not to keeper my inner Scrooge locked away! 😣
Oh wow. That has to be exceedingly difficult for you. That makes you a saint in my eyes, Old St Jeff. Doing that for your wife & kid is so incredibly selfless.
Could you possibly change the location to your house (depending on size & ability to host, of course)? Or to anyone else's? It's bad enough dealing with that anywhere, but going back to your hometown must be torturous, especially at that time of year. You can always choose a different time of year to visit her fam.
@ExecutiveFunction404 You get it! Unfortunately it has to be there, and it has to be Xmas (every year) for reasons! 🤨
I’m no saint, I’m just doing my best to be fake cheery and not ruin it for everybody else.
You're a much stronger human than I am. I honestly don't think I could do that ❤️
@jeffdavenport I'm sorry, Jeff. That's rough. It's wonderful that you're there for your family, but it's okay you feel the way you feel about the holidays, too. I'm not a fan of Christmas either, you're not alone.
@mkrocks Danke! 💙
@jeffdavenport I'm sorry for your loss, my mother died Christmas morning 2009. I've been faking it for 13 years.