When you can’t be together at Christmas

[whlparkstone]

My dad has just been diagnosed with cancer. We would always spend Christmas with my parents, but will not be doing so this year as I don’t want to put him at risk. We will spend the day at our home and mum and dad will be together at their home. No one will be bubbling.

What can I do to make it special for them? I know they will be upset this year, and so will I. We will probably FaceTime each other during the day, but I wish I could think of something else to do for them.

Do you have any special plans for the loved ones that you can’t be with this year?

[Tinks2014]

My son lives in Australia and was in the forces before that so we had several Christmases without him . Always felt sad he wasn’t with us and could not be in the usual getting a pic of all the siblings together that being mum was the one thing I always wanted as it was rare of them all being together at the same time . With him being so far away we will FaceTime . We don’t really plan but at lunch we always have a toast to those that cannot be with us because they are too faraway and for our loved ones that are no longer with us . Sorry to hear about ur dad . Xx

[munmun]

If it's fine could you set up a little fire in an incinerator in the garden. Set up some twinkling lights and some Christmas tunes and all put your coats on and toast some marshmallows on the fire with a glass of mulled wine.

I know it's not the same but it would be and good memory and something really different.

[mandco]

I'm sorry to hear about your dad

how about making them a hamper of special treats?
maybe add in a game and get yourself a duplicate so you can play together over facetime/zoom

[Floridatilly]

As another dibber suggested I would set something up in their garden. You could get a little fire pit & gazebo. Put out some chairs, wrap up in coats and lap blankets. Drink some hot chocolate or other hot drink. Play Christmas music etc

Do you have children ?
If your dad is not up to sitting out side for an hour you and your children could pop round as a surprise and the children could sing some Christmas carols from outside.
Maybe you have siblings who could join you (all social distancing) and all sing together. It could be a magical surprise for your parents.

Here are a couple of cheap ideas

[whlparkstone]

Thank you so much for your suggestions. They have definitely given me something to think about 💜

[storm]

Sorry to hear about your Dad.

Maybe this year people who are apart should try not to dwell on the "apart" bit.
Many Christmases ,Birthdays etc I have spent apart from my loved ones due to our jobs. I was a nurse, DH& my late father works offshore, DD boyfriend is deployed this year.
Instead of thinking " I can't see" my loved ones "Think I am so honoured to have people to miss/people who are supporting the sick/maintaining essential services/protect our safety etc
Think I am helping by staying home.
Christmas can be celebrated any day. We have celebrated early & later in the year just put the crackers in your attic.
Do something positive ,decorate your home for people to enjoy as they walk past, donate a gift to your local nursing home/refuge. You will meet up soon, vaccine is hopefully soon. Take care