The year was 2002, the Christmas decorations hung on the ceiling, the tinsel glittered around the mirror and as the Christmas tree was thrown across the room, the piercing screams from the children could be heard.
“Go to your room” shouted the mother. The children despite being so young had already learned that those words meant run and stay in your bedroom, till she came up to get you. The children ran and the mother blocked the pathway of their father.
“Santa isn’t coming, Christmas is cancelled” he screamed with menace. With that he pulled on his boots and grabbed his coat and the forceful slam of the door echoed as he left.
Watching through the gap of the curtains, she watched, patiently, making sure the care lights had disappeared into the night. Then she locked the door and attached the chain, only then did she go to collect her frightened children from their bedrooms.
The four of them decorated the Christmas tree again, only this time half-heartedly, there was nothing to stop daddy throwing it over again, but is a risk they took.
The mother chocked back the tears as she watched her three children aged 2, 3 and 8 hanging decorations on the branches, all she wished for that Christmas was for her children to be kept safe. Each year she would make a promise to herself that this year would be the last.
Christmas time was family time, it’s the time of year when families should be together, she never had the heart to tear her family apart, so she kept quiet and walked on egg shells, trying to keep him happy, anything she had to do to ensure her children had a fun and happy Christmas she did.
The Christmas Eve of 2003 he came home late, intoxicated and fuelled with rage, as was the case most nights. He left the tree intact; instead he took his vile temper out on the neatly wrapped Christmas presents that lay under the tree, his children’s gifts from Santa Clause. He kicked them and threw them and then turned to spit in the face of his wife. She didn’t move, didn’t react, she knew better.
That mother did keep to her promise that Christmas, a few months after the Christmas of 2003 she did tear her family apart and walk away from eleven years of domestic violence.
How does that mother spend her Christmas now? Well I still love Christmas time and I cry silent tears each year when I see how Christmas should be. The tree stands in the corner with pride within a safe and happy family home. The only tears shed are those of pride and happiness, not fear and shame.
Domestic violence does not stop at Christmas time and if you’re making the same promise I did then please make sure you keep to it this year. Don’t live a life full of regrets like I once did. Make this Christmas the time to speak out, get out and stay out.
About The Real Supermum
Please read – share – comment & raise awareness – yes its about Domestic Violence, My own Xmas Memories to help others http://t.co/MA9DGGNQ
It’sso easy for us to shut out the horrors in the world at Christmas time and the truth is not everyone enjoys Christmas. I try and take an hour out of my day on Christmas and help someone in need. Be safe this Christmas to those reading this that know that this Christmas isn’t going to be one to celebrate x
Massive hugs hunni .. least you can all have a happy family christmas x x
This made me cry so strong to break free xxxxxx
Domestic Violence Doesn’t Stop Because Its Christmas; I Should Know http://t.co/MA9DGGNQ
Aa this is soo sad, well done for getting out of the situation xxxx
Huge hugs hun, it takes a stronger person to walk away. Glad you have found the happiness you deserve xx
I had goosebumps reading this and tears in my eyes. What i love most about your stories is that despite things being the way they were and the horror by which was inflictedon you, you got out. I for one am very proud!!! The stories are proof that there is life after domestic violence which all of us that are currently in can not see. You offer us hope and love you for it xxxx
Thank you for sharing your story. It’m sure it will inspire others who feel trapped and scared to reach out for help. So glad you found the strength to walk away. xo
@TheRealSupermum A must read blog. http://t.co/nFXI92ed #domesticviolence
this made me cry x thankyou for sharing
massive hugs sweet, you did the right thing and i hope life just gets better and better for you, you deserve all the happiness you can get x
at least you have a happy christmas now be proud of the fact you kept your children safe & when you have grandchildren they can spend christmas with you without fear but be grateful to the man that did this to you as it may have took 11yrs but he made you the STRONG woman you are today he made sure you will never let anybody treat you like that ever hold you head up look forward you have a happy life ahead x
Well done once again for getting out you are such a strong woman and your kids will have another happy christmas as I hope you do xx
It takes an incredibly strong person to walk away from a monster like that. Im sorry you’ve been through these horrible times but at least you and your children get a happy christmas xx
massive hugs well done for getting out
I still get angry upset reading these story’s x
Big hugs xx