Christmas is a time for joy, love, and family togetherness. But what happens when a tragic loss turns this festive season into a somber affair? One mother finds herself caught between her desire to give her young daughter a happy Christmas and her husband’s family’s insistence on mourning the loss of a beloved family member. Buckle up for a heart-wrenching tale of a family divided and a mother’s determination to bring a little Christmas magic into her child’s life, despite the odds.
A Christmas Tragedy Strikes
![Image credit: ut00965731 | ut00965731](https://static.diply.com/026f8a5a-e7c1-424f-a836-562e2a1bbb7d.png)
️ Christmas Becomes a Somber Affair
![Image credit: ut00965731 | ut00965731](https://static.diply.com/029629eb-8865-456c-bc4f-0028d36f994f.png)
A Family Gathering Without Joy
![Image credit: ut00965731 | ut00965731](https://static.diply.com/25bb25d0-dce4-4ccf-a709-7b998f943574.png)
️ Decorations of Sorrow
![Image credit: ut00965731 | ut00965731](https://static.diply.com/2561ec98-0c29-46aa-9081-df05cef3daaf.png)
No Merry Christmas, Only Condolences
![Image credit: ut00965731 | ut00965731](https://static.diply.com/089a91ab-9146-44e8-9cd1-2c7e4a6b1ac0.png)
Shushing the Little Joys
![Image credit: ut00965731 | ut00965731](https://static.diply.com/dc3f6fd8-19c3-471f-996d-9c377fc12eca.png)
A Child’s Happiness Denied
![Image credit: ut00965731 | ut00965731](https://static.diply.com/90670dcd-0024-4594-9149-68a95644696b.png)
A Suggestion Shot Down
![Image credit: ut00965731 | ut00965731](https://static.diply.com/8e5bab78-4622-4e73-9450-ff7a1839964c.png)
Pressured to Attend the Anniversary
![Image credit: ut00965731 | ut00965731](https://static.diply.com/c26371dc-f380-4a71-8141-7c02855551ae.png)
Cookies Banned, Gifts Hidden ♀️
![Image credit: ut00965731 | ut00965731](https://static.diply.com/29ab7866-a711-4af6-8eae-e1d1897c8453.png)
Another Joyless Christmas
![Image credit: ut00965731 | ut00965731](https://static.diply.com/998f1133-93be-4735-986d-68c7aabeb2fc.png)
The Same Somber Scene
![Image credit: ut00965731 | ut00965731](https://static.diply.com/8709bd3d-598b-4e86-a782-1da578babe56.png)
️ A Mother’s Defiance for Her Daughter’s Sake
![Image credit: ut00965731 | ut00965731](https://static.diply.com/471f5ddb-b299-4810-86c1-e88c179fc045.png)
Creating Their Own Christmas Magic ✨
![Image credit: ut00965731 | ut00965731](https://static.diply.com/a45b0d48-a032-4965-9ff4-f759fa937b95.png)
Facing the Family’s Wrath
![Image credit: ut00965731 | ut00965731](https://static.diply.com/3fc35476-58db-4eee-9579-a37f6382b400.png)
A Mother’s Fight for Christmas Joy Amidst Family Tragedy
In this emotional rollercoaster, a mother struggles to balance her daughter’s happiness with her husband’s family’s grief over the loss of a beloved family member on Christmas Day. Faced with a joyless holiday filled with mourning and no festivities, she takes a stand for her child’s sake, defying her in-laws’ wishes and creating a little Christmas magic of their own. But her actions come at a cost, as she faces the wrath of her husband and his family, who accuse her of being insensitive and selfish. Let’s see what the internet has to say about this heart-wrenching dilemma!
NTA comment suggests ways to keep memory alive while celebrating
![Image credit: FeedThePug | FeedThePug](https://static.diply.com/f554df62-4713-4720-83f5-0a861e4c2e24.png)
Let the kid enjoy Christmas! NTA, grief is personal ❤️
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/b5b8bab0-c8e3-4404-9d4b-47ac46d5d67c.png)
A commenter sympathizes with the mother and suggests a compromise.
![Image credit: krankykitty | krankykitty](https://static.diply.com/41f79273-e2af-4837-aa17-f1065dd5e8ce.png)
NTA stands her ground against in-laws bullying over Christmas celebration
![Image credit: srslyeffedmind | srslyeffedmind](https://static.diply.com/daff3dc1-c097-4ada-8c40-7aeb3c8e4078.png)
Grieving shouldn’t ruin Christmas. A toast or prayer suffices.
![Image credit: Feisty-Donkey | Feisty-Donkey](https://static.diply.com/36d7d51c-3c73-4503-a86f-1a8d762a0d8c.png)
Husband cancels Christmas for everyone to mourn? NTA suggests alternatives.
![Image credit: Pumpernickelbrot | Pumpernickelbrot](https://static.diply.com/c8a3a70f-e592-42e8-a4b2-795964afb873.png)
Celebrate life during holidays, not just mourn losses. NTA
![Image credit: Hot_Knee95 | Hot_Knee95](https://static.diply.com/92d9896c-bea4-4fcd-a4c3-9560ece394c8.png)
Teaching children to mourn is important but NTA for celebrating
![Image credit: DecodingSerenity | DecodingSerenity](https://static.diply.com/cce36e6c-51af-4957-8759-778fa8bdc83b.png)
NAH commenter suggests a short remembrance vigil, not cancelling Christmas
![Image credit: theaardvarkoflore | theaardvarkoflore](https://static.diply.com/fee5c147-35a5-42ab-8461-e02aa9ad6a62.png)
Creating happy memories for your child is important ❤️
![Image credit: activelurker777 | activelurker777](https://static.diply.com/8d2390b9-0fc7-435d-989a-dc3be0ccafbf.png)
Respectful NTA stands up to husband’s manipulative behavior
![Image credit: fingeronfire | fingeronfire](https://static.diply.com/60279a62-f51c-453c-a3ed-e578100c0b14.png)
NTA commenter empathizes with grieving wife, calls out in-laws’ unhealthy behavior.
![Image credit: HauntedinAutumn | HauntedinAutumn](https://static.diply.com/75d9e189-b94e-49bd-90f2-e62db1b5f373.png)
Protecting a 5-year-old from harmful mourning traditions.
![Image credit: milee30 | milee30](https://static.diply.com/a259ad0f-17af-4313-b342-c344f77c8283.png)
Honoring a loved one’s memory on a special day ❤️
![Image credit: Flashy-Promise-6915 | Flashy-Promise-6915](https://static.diply.com/84db94cb-e365-4180-b611-3d4573c3ce54.png)
Spouse forbids Christmas with daughter; comment suggests polite rebellion
![Image credit: mastershadowmagnum | mastershadowmagnum](https://static.diply.com/416d207f-a1ac-4751-a232-8a1390386808.png)
Controlling husband forbids wife and daughter from Christmas celebration
![Image credit: madisengreen | madisengreen](https://static.diply.com/72f1796a-65c4-4455-9d89-775960425725.png)
In-laws stopped celebrating Christmas but feel entitled to force others. NTA
![Image credit: Knittingfairy09113 | Knittingfairy09113](https://static.diply.com/7141d0a0-0004-4f44-a8c4-bd65eb5d8148.png)
Parental advice on celebrating Christmas with family and friends
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/73d674d0-49a5-4580-9134-9078139fc174.png)
Mother-in-law insults woman for celebrating Christmas with daughter. NTA.
![Image credit: stares-motherfuckily | stares-motherfuckily](https://static.diply.com/e4cd3bf6-6577-4671-9b6e-23d0a30be04a.png)
Grandfather died on Christmas dinner, NTA for not cancelling. In-laws are a**holes.
![Image credit: LefthandedLemur | LefthandedLemur](https://static.diply.com/8612e312-8866-45b9-aced-be48996aae57.png)
NTA, teaching daughter hope in tragedy. ILs need to let go.
![Image credit: LadyNerdArtist | LadyNerdArtist](https://static.diply.com/fe6a24ce-9720-4e0b-915a-e9ddd153d602.png)
Husband forbids wife from celebrating Christmas with daughter. Commenter advises counseling.
![Image credit: ducktruck27 | ducktruck27](https://static.diply.com/59758dc2-5a30-4ed0-b756-20768ff106ba.png)
Respectful compromise for mourning adults and fed, happy children ✌
![Image credit: Jazzlike_Humor3340 | Jazzlike_Humor3340](https://static.diply.com/76a04742-1b62-4b12-ac8c-35bc07e2fe86.png)
NTA. Depriving a child of Christmas is messed up
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/d491f382-2661-431d-b9f5-ea170b9a94e7.png)
Put your child first. Therapy or divorce? NTA.
![Image credit: pandacookie92 | pandacookie92](https://static.diply.com/0e52b373-4db9-490e-b408-cfa74f47dc2e.png)
A heartwarming comment about celebrating Christmas despite past tragedies ❤️
![Image credit: Psychological-Air-84 | Psychological-Air-84](https://static.diply.com/0141402c-9349-4170-bce7-c55c2d5e5673.png)
NTA commenter shares personal experience, encourages family to celebrate memories ❤️
![Image credit: kittabotamous | kittabotamous](https://static.diply.com/7c163064-d179-4f19-8846-b6d78c61a3b8.png)
Family loyalty questioned over Christmas ban.
![Image credit: MeiMei91 | MeiMei91](https://static.diply.com/528171b3-6441-4007-9815-13d91732d65a.png)
Celebrating Christmas after a loss – spreading joy or painful reminders?
![Image credit: mezobromelia1 | mezobromelia1](https://static.diply.com/5109472d-30f4-450b-aa0d-e089df729855.png)
Put your daughter first, seek counselling, don’t rob her joy
![Image credit: justwanttocheckshit | justwanttocheckshit](https://static.diply.com/8810daaa-dafa-4f74-8c82-4eab0fa1ee26.png)
Grieving shouldn’t mean depriving yourself of happiness
![Image credit: sarabeara12345678910 | sarabeara12345678910](https://static.diply.com/f4f646a0-9e29-460c-84f4-325903e0ab1f.png)
Encouraging NTA comment advocating for healthy grieving and happiness
![Image credit: TheTor22 | TheTor22](https://static.diply.com/2dd56c23-bf50-4654-8a19-09617669de94.png)
Curious if there’s a cultural or religious aspect to this ban
![Image credit: i-likebigmutts | i-likebigmutts](https://static.diply.com/1e5eadcc-28be-45cb-b789-fd7c6a822185.png)
Celebrate life, not death. 100% NTA
![Image credit: Galdin311 | Galdin311](https://static.diply.com/c01c6b41-5a45-4996-b88a-a5a15ba9ef40.png)
Don’t make kids suffer for adult mourning traditions.
![Image credit: e-elegia | e-elegia](https://static.diply.com/ba871c70-994f-4d22-8d47-03fcee081c84.png)
Setting healthy boundaries during Christmas time. NTA.
![Image credit: Green_Bow | Green_Bow](https://static.diply.com/728ead78-b0fe-4759-97d1-e4a20d4367bd.png)
Compromised decorating leads husband to enjoy Christmas with family again
![Image credit: coffeebeansrock979 | coffeebeansrock979](https://static.diply.com/0d0e665f-d33a-464d-8ed3-5b353dfa0f45.png)
Grandfather’s death during holidays, NTA suggests grief counseling and muting in-laws
![Image credit: MissMurderpants | MissMurderpants](https://static.diply.com/e9a1d1af-e6ae-410e-887a-3d8b399ad835.png)
A commenter shares their experience of being robbed of Christmas.
![Image credit: TragedyPornFamilyVid | TragedyPornFamilyVid](https://static.diply.com/cb83f12e-35ad-44a3-8b50-377f93509900.png)
A touching story that illustrates the importance of moving on. NTA.
![Image credit: FunnyGoose5616 | FunnyGoose5616](https://static.diply.com/dbae5c8e-03a6-450d-b3ef-717cab29e8b6.png)
NTA holds firm on Christmas boundary with in-laws amidst grieving.
![Image credit: WembleyToast | WembleyToast](https://static.diply.com/1812839d-284d-44f9-845b-5cab558904e1.png)
Grieving shouldn’t stop celebration, NTA
![Image credit: Utter_cockwomble | Utter_cockwomble](https://static.diply.com/d290251c-61d7-411d-b798-e85f38ef5e2a.png)
Choosing to celebrate Christmas after a tragedy, NTA.
![Image credit: DrAgus_ | DrAgus_](https://static.diply.com/65c0443a-12c3-46ea-b5d0-882c444805b8.png)
Celebrate Christmas with your daughter, forget the husband’s wishes!
![Image credit: Kat122697 | Kat122697](https://static.diply.com/b92f3518-5d99-408b-9d99-e826b7ed8e77.png)
Heartwarming comment about celebrating Christmas even after death
![Image credit: Sleeplesshelley | Sleeplesshelley](https://static.diply.com/5ff11c00-9340-4302-a24e-9130336d27b6.png)
User suggests celebrating deceased loved ones’ birthdays instead of death. NTA
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/f60f63db-3d54-45e0-88f1-3b86b9ffeaa5.png)
Deceased’s wishes for Christmas celebration questioned by commenter
![Image credit: Recycledineffigy | Recycledineffigy](https://static.diply.com/763b96d8-3f99-46e1-a8db-ca2acd9882c8.png)
Grieving in-laws, but don’t stop enjoying the holiday, NTA/NAH
![Image credit: justtovoteonaita | justtovoteonaita](https://static.diply.com/64034eea-ee76-4e3e-b2e9-820572c5703c.png)
Suggests alternative Christmas plans to avoid grief fest
![Image credit: NimbaNineNine | NimbaNineNine](https://static.diply.com/49426906-3ab4-46ba-8be0-57d0f56517b8.png)
NTA comment argues against forbidding Christmas celebration after tragedy.
![Image credit: abreezeinthedoor | abreezeinthedoor](https://static.diply.com/b6b9834f-1540-4be0-8937-b1677be5bbae.png)
Celebrate Christmas despite the family death, NTA.
![Image credit: VedjaGaems | VedjaGaems](https://static.diply.com/79056d9b-beee-469c-a4f6-9c7713d82d5f.png)
Family turns tragedy into heartwarming tradition.
![Image credit: Cupcakelover430 | Cupcakelover430](https://static.diply.com/76406474-55c9-4ede-be67-f942b557a60d.png)
Reflecting on Christmases past, NTA encourages daughter’s joy
![Image credit: Pentacle_Pagan | Pentacle_Pagan](https://static.diply.com/ef5eac2d-4437-415a-b8e3-c9f142ab0d4a.png)
NTA commenter suggests that mourning should not ruin the holidays
![Image credit: Aggressive_Complex | Aggressive_Complex](https://static.diply.com/f0f98921-db96-4f12-9405-8cf6d2008b3b.png)
Grief is important, but treating Christmas like a wake is gross
![Image credit: Ok_Policy_1745 | Ok_Policy_1745](https://static.diply.com/3082482e-c8e3-4dc2-8bcf-62aad85d6786.png)
Grieving is personal, don’t force it on others. NTA ❤
![Image credit: MaddestOfThemAll | MaddestOfThemAll](https://static.diply.com/c522db7b-6579-406b-ac90-c6e1be440c0a.png)
Establishing new traditions for Christmas after a loss.
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/13f6fbbc-c585-4c66-9859-86678abf740e.png)
NTA. The commenter suggests taking the child and doing something fun.
![Image credit: KateBeckinsale_PM_Me | KateBeckinsale_PM_Me](https://static.diply.com/dc0062eb-d499-4990-a4b7-7f1bef0f1af5.png)
Enjoyment is important for children, not morbidity. NTA.
![Image credit: hugatro | hugatro](https://static.diply.com/0679b3fd-40ae-4b04-afc7-ad07700cbf31.png)
Grief shouldn’t rob a child of the joy of Christmas.
![Image credit: modinotmodi | modinotmodi](https://static.diply.com/e2155c72-b9c7-4bcc-b528-51171b3bf25a.png)
NTA’s husband’s family are huge a**holes, fasting for toddlers is abuse
![Image credit: Sabbatha13 | Sabbatha13](https://static.diply.com/b31128e9-3191-46a9-b22e-ded5dddeeb7d.png)
Complicated bereavement and strange rituals – NTA for not joining in.
![Image credit: abcwva | abcwva](https://static.diply.com/e8de47a1-eb8c-4695-8bb8-71d4e76dfa40.png)
Spending Christmas talking about a tragic accident: normal or not?
![Image credit: Titus_Favonius | Titus_Favonius](https://static.diply.com/55cee2fb-a1af-4e41-95ce-eb01f0873ac1.png)
Don’t let grief control Christmas. Therapy might help.
![Image credit: GloomyMarzipan | GloomyMarzipan](https://static.diply.com/1aee53eb-a453-4ad0-8ca8-5ff69877944c.png)
Grieving shouldn’t ruin Christmas forever. Adjust traditions, don’t punish children. ✨
![Image credit: Badger-of-Horrors | Badger-of-Horrors](https://static.diply.com/eeb3d414-8b77-41b7-beda-7156b6d0b3d2.png)
NTA. Parenting should be age-appropriate and not traumatizing for children.
![Image credit: magjoy72 | magjoy72](https://static.diply.com/f2e23b1e-369d-4297-9dc3-ab4754de3b43.png)
Remembering the deceased shouldn’t rob children of Christmas NTA
![Image credit: eidhrmuzz | eidhrmuzz](https://static.diply.com/59393508-d524-420d-92b2-f5c2bd05c429.png)
NTA commenter calls out grieving parents for ruining Christmas
![Image credit: YouHuggedMeBell | YouHuggedMeBell](https://static.diply.com/2436b96b-dd2c-441d-a4a7-7d567f0f247a.png)
Forcing extreme beliefs on children is toxic. NTA
![Image credit: miladyelle | miladyelle](https://static.diply.com/fd685954-7aa6-4a8b-8e84-cd3107034f72.png)
NTA! Move on from the morbid, traumatizing traditions. ♀️
![Image credit: safeTchicken | safeTchicken](https://static.diply.com/df8315a5-6b7f-42d3-b903-bd748fcf90a2.png)
Defending the right of children to have a childhood
![Image credit: Mary-U | Mary-U](https://static.diply.com/9f7ccd1e-e18a-4009-8a1a-fcca982f92ba.png)
NTA comment calls out family’s miserable behavior, needs counseling
![Image credit: ProudBoomer | ProudBoomer](https://static.diply.com/bfa32d6b-57df-44cd-b3b0-408ee451ed84.png)
NTA. In-laws need therapy to handle grief instead of pushing others.
![Image credit: Flyingplaydoh | Flyingplaydoh](https://static.diply.com/9757ae6a-2fc2-4528-b68a-d2bb5f0a77eb.png)
Embrace the joy of Christmas, don’t let grief ruin it
![Image credit: ToriBell- | ToriBell-](https://static.diply.com/2f1ed5b0-ee30-4769-92f8-08dc014f62ea.png)
In-laws ruined Christmas by turning it into a funeral. Set boundaries.
![Image credit: 666POD | 666POD](https://static.diply.com/bdec5974-2215-4ef3-9c9e-f6670f9bf3a7.png)
User shares personal story, urges celebrating despite loss
![Image credit: Penten5696 | Penten5696](https://static.diply.com/8ea238f8-c326-472d-874b-a49c2e3863af.png)
Let the little girl have her Christmas joy!
![Image credit: messy_bitch420 | messy_bitch420](https://static.diply.com/253315c6-9705-4a07-8dfb-c9a0e1e8a45e.png)
NTA comment finds husband’s family odd
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/1a262c7c-e835-4eef-a746-1e8ded86dae4.png)
In-laws control grieving process, ruining holidays for daughter
![Image credit: Wontyoube | Wontyoube](https://static.diply.com/8dad9ca4-1cf8-480d-8161-ff6fcac2742e.png)
Passionate comment defending a mother’s right to feed her child.
![Image credit: undead_ramen | undead_ramen](https://static.diply.com/2ee305c7-0adf-4f5b-9693-a0a60a463d1c.png)
Persuade MIL to let daughter celebrate Christmas with family
![Image credit: bg77577 | bg77577](https://static.diply.com/71d6044f-0df5-4b8b-9c69-5429f32fc8ca.png)
Don’t let them steal precious memories from your daughter! NTA
![Image credit: dennismullen12 | dennismullen12](https://static.diply.com/b83fc632-4f23-464f-ada5-8eefe6c3b88d.png)
NTA. Grief is consuming them, limit contact, therapy needed.
![Image credit: NoAcanthocephala2727 | NoAcanthocephala2727](https://static.diply.com/48584652-88da-4743-8ce5-b88f58051aee.png)
NTA stands up to controlling in-laws who force their grief on others
![Image credit: EilidhRos | EilidhRos](https://static.diply.com/b1280beb-c03b-4861-a51f-804b9d70ba32.png)
NTA. Letting grief control others’ happiness is unfair
![Image credit: VividFiddlesticks | VividFiddlesticks](https://static.diply.com/62062c20-19ab-4167-80d9-a46d5585ba86.png)
Insensitive comment about mourning, no replies.
![Image credit: Atschmid | Atschmid](https://static.diply.com/8a18a004-6052-494b-ae96-8a35200ac448.png)
Last Updated on May 6, 2024 by Diply Social Team