Dear Dáithí: My dad passed away but my family celebrated Christmas as if everything was normal

I remember when my own dad died and for months after I’d remember times gone by and at first the memories made me sad but if I roll on a few years, these very same memories and thoughts are the ones that make me really happy now

Dáithí Ó Sé: "I think everyone who has lost someone will tell you that all the ‘firsts’ are tough especially the first Christmas and birthday after losing someone," Picture: Domnick Walsh.

Dear Dáithí,

I've just had the worst Christmas. My dad passed away in October and I just can't understand how everyone was celebrating and happy and going about as if nothing has changed. I was very close with my dad, and he died suddenly of a heart attack.