The morning of Christmas Eve, my wife and I received word that my brother had been found dead(I won't go into details). We just tried our best to distract ourselves with the usual activities. However, I was opening a gift, and I lost it and cried like a kid in her arms.

I hope the rest of you had a more joyous time. Peace and love to all of you

Sadly, the calendar does not recognise Christmas Eve as being any different from any other of the 364 days in the year.
So the same terrible tragedies are as likely, (or perhaps even more likely) to happen on Dec 24th as on any other day.
A similar thing happened to me in 2017.
My brother was found dead in his apartment.
We hadn't gotten on for years, but my sole purpose then became to console our mum and to help her through.
For many days, life was taken over by funeral arrangements and legalities.
I still remember vividly the process of identifying him.
Do not blame yourself for crying.
Cry loud. Cry and let tears come.
All we can hope for is that we come out later as better people.
Peter

That is a rough way to spend Christmas. I remember the day my grandma died cause it was the day before my birthday. I was younger and people tried to be happy and shit to not ruin my birthday, but the tone was different that year. At the end of the day I don't remember that birthday any more than the others, it does not stick out as a negative day, it just happened to be the day after she died. The grieving process is normal and everyone goes through it their own way. Let yourself go through that process your way no matter what day it happens to fall on.

My friend Joshua died about a week and a half ago and I know I don't know you but I'm sending a virtual hug your way. Seems cliche and maybe flippant but I'm here in anyway I can help you.
This has been playing through my head
https://youtu.be/LsG4enqoP-I

Thanks for the kind words, folks. Much needed right now.

Really sorry to read this, that's harsh.

Crying is good, cathartic.

***hugs***

I am so sorry for your loss. I am sending my condolences to you and your family.

Camp, I'm so sorry. I cannot even imagine your pain right now. I just hope and pray you get all the outpouring of peace and love that you need right now.

Luckily for me, I have wonderful friends who check in on me everyday!

Just let us know if there's anything we can do!

I'm so sorry to hear that. Sorry for your loss.