This Morning host Ruth Langsford talks "challenging" first Christmas without sister
This Morning and Loose Women presenter Ruth Langsford has opened up about her first Christmas without sister Julia Johnson.
Ruth's sister passed away in June this year, with an inquest later confirming that she had tragically taken her own life.
The presenter has now reflected on how "challenging" it will be to spend the festive season without Julia for the first time in her life.
"It's going to be a very challenging time for me and my mum, who'll be with us at Christmas," Ruth told OK! Magazine. "I could cancel Christmas, but my sister loved it so I'm having turkey and we'll put Christmas carols on. I'm sure we'll cry but we'll also be happy."
Ruth said that she and her mother are going to honour Julia by sharing "lovely Christmas memories" about her, explaining: "We won't be maudlin though – it's finding the balance."
Meanwhile, Ruth's husband Eamonn Holmes admitted that he was planning to spend Christmas with his family in Belfast, but he changed his mind as he wants to support his wife during such a difficult time.
"It's barely six months since the sudden death of Ruth's sister so I need to be here for her," Eamonn explained.
Related: This Morning's Eamonn Holmes reveals which infamous interview he'd "handle better" today
Ruth also added how she feels about the whole "madness" of the festive season, saying: "I prefer to use the word busy. I try not to let it feel stressful.
"It's hard when you're working and you're trying to please everybody, but I quite enjoy the slightly crazy madness of Christmas."
This Morning airs weekdays at 10.30am on ITV.
We would encourage anyone who identifies with the topics raised in this article to reach out. Organisations who can offer support include Samaritans on 116 123 (www.samaritans.org) or Mind on 0300 123 3393 (www.mind.org.uk). Readers in the US are encouraged to visit mentalhealth.gov or the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
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