The Christmas period can be especially hard for those living with a terminal illness, caring for someone, or those who are bereaved, whether recently or a while ago. It can feel very lonely and isolating, and yet there are so many who have this experience at the moment (including myself). I would therefore like to open this thread as an invitation for sharing thoughts and memories.
Whether you would like to talk about a meaningful memento (say, a Christmas ornament), a memory, tell us how you are marking the season this year, or simply share how you are feeling, it may help others to realise that they are not alone this season.
With all best wishes,
Anke, a Member of the Marie Curie Online Community
Thank you so much for this Anke. I agree Christmas can be really hard when you are in these situations.
In recent years I have found it easier to start new traditions with my own children whilst also keeping traditions of my Mumâs alive even if it is a small thing like hanging tinsel round all the picture frames.
We always do a special toast on Christmas Day to those loved ones who are no longer with us and I put time aside to visit my parents grave with some Christmas flowers.
Thinking of everyone who is struggling this Christmas.
Laura (member of the Information and Support Team)
Thank you very much for sharing your new traditions, Laura! Merging your Mumâs traditions with your own, as a mother, sounds absolutely lovely. The toast on Christmas Day makes your celebrations special, and you also find time for yourself and the memory of your parents when visiting their grave.
Your special toast reminded me of a tradition established by a local church: a pre-Christmas service dedicated to those who are no longer with us. It offers an hour of peace, reflection, quiet carols, and the lighting of candles, and is rather popular. I found it a lovely way to be by myself, with my own thoughts and memories, in a special setting amidst many, many others who are there to do the same.
Joining you in thinking of everyone who is struggling this Christmas,
I wholeheartedly agree with your comments Ladies, Christmas can be a very difficult time for all sorts of reasons. For the recently bereaved it is especially hard to summon up the energy or enthusiasm to celebrate even in the most modest way.
Its a time of reflection, and I guess âwhat might have beenâ if our loved ones were still with us. I found it helpful to just recall what brought joy and happiness to my family and whilst I can`t replicate everything, just doing a little of the old traditions - hanging the meaningful baubles on the tree, making time in the lead up to Christmas just to reflect on all the good times (whether short or long) and sharing stories with others keeping memories alive.
It may be a lonely time but by reaching out to close friends and family means that you are never alone. Its good to talk always.
May I take this opportunity to wish all our Community Volunteers a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2026.
Absolutely, such a vital and thought provoking post. I find at Christmas particular, a time of reflection and remembrance of ones weâve lost. I read somewhere that grief is âhaving love with no homeâ. It can be particular difficult at this time. I find lighting a candle and spending a moment to remember the loved one, helps. Only a small sentiment but quite powerful. I hope anyone reading this knows how much support there is out there and to remember, you are not alone. Best wishes.
Thanks so much to you all for your thoughtful posts.
I love the idea of lighting a candle in remembrance and the saying grief as love with no home is so apt.
I agree that having some quiet reflection time can be really helpful at Christmas. It can be hard to make this time for ourselves when there are so many demands and different things going on. I often find a walk by myself can help a lot and if you can, maybe see some time to reflect as a gift you can give to yourself at what can be such a challenging time of year.
For anyone who is struggling and feels a listening ear would help then please know you are welcome to ring our Support Line on 0800 090 2309. Lines are open over Christmas.
Warmest wishes,
Laura (member of the Information and Support Team)
Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts and experiences. As we draw closer to Christmas, it is good to be reminded that this period can be difficult, while also offering the opportunity to find moments of solace.
For those living with a terminal illness or caring for someone with a terminal illness, there can also be periods of respite. I know someone who had kind friends visiting when their parent was celebrating their final Christmas, for example. Their relieving the carer for a few hours was a gift that is still fondly remembered years later, and it seems to have allowed everyone involved to appreciate their time together. I would love to hear from others with experience of care situations how they have kept Christmas with unexpected moments of joy.
If anyone is struggling, sharing those thoughts can be useful too. Please feel free to post here, if you are comfortable to do so. As Laura mentioned, the Marie Curie Support Line is also here to listen throughout the period: Mo-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat-Sun 10-4pm. Call 0800 090 2309 or email (further details are available here: Marie Curie Support Line.
Thank you so much for starting this really important thread, Anke. And to everyone, for sharing your thoughts, reflections and traditions that you do to remember your loved ones.
The festive period can be particularly difficult if youâre living with a terminal illness, caring for someone who is or after a bereavement.
If youâre struggling to cope this Christmas, along with whatâs already been mentioned on our Online Community, here are some more practical suggestions from our Bereavement Support Service Coordinator, Jane - Christmas without a loved one â practical tips | Marie Curie
As Anke and Laura mentioned, please remember that weâre also here for you on our Support Line. Weâre open every day over the festive period and you can find more information about our opening hours here - Marie Curie Support Line | Helpline | Marie Curie
Good morning, and may I take this opportunity to wish all team and volunteer members a very happy and healthy 2026.
Sadly, for some it will be a time of reflection and perhaps a feeling of loneliness starting a New Year without loved ones around. The purpose of this forum is a space where you can feel free to share your thoughts and feelings, or if more appropriate contact our Support Line on 0800 090 2309.
For those caring for family members it can be difficult time too, where you may feel that you just want to vent your feelings and emotions, without judgement.
Anke, a Member of the Marie Curie Online Community