Has anyone ever heard of this? Is it possible. My mother is 83. And eats more now that I have been living with her for five months. Also I lost my Father in Feb after fighting many chronic issues, and I feel she thinks Christmas is still the same as always. She never mentions him. He was my BEST FRIEND
My mother is 95. Dad has been gone about 20 years. My husband died 3 years ago. It would be so welcome to me to be able to discuss widowhood with her, and for us to be able to comfort each other and enjoy memories of Dad. But she is not aware that either of them are gone. It is very strange. My mother has dementia.
People who are cognitively impaired (from whatever cause) may no longer live fully in the current reality.
I am so sorry that you and your mother cannot give mutual comfort for the loss of you best friend. I hope you share your memories and pain with someone else close to you. I also hope you will not let this impairment of your mother's interfere with a loving relationship between you. It most likely does not reflect her relationship with your dad.
She may not mention Dad because it is too painful for her to even think about. If she wants Christmas to be the same, try to make it so.