The Christmas tree is up, although far too much dancing and frivolity took place and it took longer than it should have, and come 4pm now the outside of my little house is lit with twinkling lights. December can be a lovely month, but can also be tinged with sadness as it’s a time we might acutely miss loved ones no longer with us.

My Mum died in 2022. We were as close as any Mother and Daughter can be, although she had her issues and could be challenging to deal with, and she loved me in the unconditional way that only a parent can. She got me like no-one else and she requested ‘Wind Beneath My Wings’ be played at her funeral as she said that her love for me was always the thing which gave her life meaning.

My entire adult life we spoke every day, often more than once. She was the first person I told if something great had happened and the first person to know when I was sad. There is so much of my life that I still long to share with her and I miss being able to pick the phone up and talk with her more than words can say.

Once we’ve experienced deep loss we’re never the same again and grief can hit us unexpectedly and in a myriad of ways. Occasions like Christmas, while still joyful and exciting, forever contain an emptiness not previously known. So for anyone feeling loss this month be gentle on yourself. Talk about your loved one. Honour them. Remember them and everything they brought into your life. It’s OK to be sad even when you’re supposed to be happy – it simply means you loved and were loved.