Claire Sweeney will "cherish the memory" of her father on Christmas Day.
The former ‘Brookside’ actress’ beloved dad Ken died on 25 December last year, but she’s determined the holiday won’t be tinged by sadness and she’d rather celebrate his life and think of their happy memories.
She said: "I’m determined not to make Christmas a sad time.
"He was ill and we didn’t want him having a long, slow death.
"He asked to come out of hospital so he came home and died. That’s what he wanted and it was the best thing for him.
"We’ll raise a toast to him and we’ll think and talk about him but it won’t be devastating and Christmas Days won’t be spoiled forever because we cherish his memory and we’ll remember the happy Christmases…
"At 9pm, which is the time he died, I’ll get a bottle of cava and we’ll have a toast."
The 45-year-old star loves the festive season and having her two-year-old son Jaxon – who she has with ex-partner Daniel Reilly – only makes it more exciting.
She said: "I’d put my decorations up in October if I could.
"I’m like a child at Christmas and I think having Jaxon will send me over the edge this year.
"It’s like a new world of Christmases – he believes in Santa so it’s going to be wonderful.
"Last year, I waited until he’d gone to sleep and put up the decorations on my own. That’s how I’ve done it the last couple of years – with a glass of wine and the telly on.
"I love this time of year. It’s the twinkly lights. I’m that shallow!"
Claire Sweeney to remember dad at Christmas
