Emma Heming Willis has shared how Bruce Willis Christmas celebrations continue to bring joy to their family, even as they adapt to life after his frontotemporal dementia (FTD) diagnosis in 2023. Despite changes brought on by Bruce’s condition, the family remains committed to cherishing the festive season together, finding new ways to experience happiness.
Adjusting Holiday Traditions in the Face of Illness
Emma Heming Willis, a model and businesswoman, opened up about how Christmas has changed for the Willis family since Bruce Willis was diagnosed with FTD. She is candid about the challenges but emphasizes the importance of keeping the holiday spirit alive for the sake of their daughters, Mabel, 13, and Evelyn, 11. As she explained, the festivities now look different compared to previous years, but their love for Christmas persists.
“Bruce loved Christmas and we love celebrating it with him. It just looks different, so we’ve kind of adapted to that.”
— Emma Heming Willis, Model and Businesswoman
Emma acknowledged that the holiday season can be especially challenging for families coping with dementia. However, she brings levity by suggesting a family viewing of the 1988 action classic associated with Christmas.
“I think it’s important to put Die Hard on because it’s a Christmas movie.”
— Emma Heming Willis, Model and Businesswoman
Embracing Change and Creating New Memories
Emma points out the necessity of adapting holiday rituals, drawing from past traditions while accepting that changes are inevitable. She believes in making space for both grief and joy as the family navigates the complexities of dementia during the holidays.
“Life goes on. It just goes on. Dementia is hard, but there is still joy in it. I think it’s important that we don’t paint such a negative picture around dementia. We are still laughing. There is still joy. It just looks different.”
— Emma Heming Willis, Model and Businesswoman
Describing their life as “very simple,” Emma shares that being fully present with Bruce and their children has become central to their celebrations.
“(Life) is very simple – it actually always has been. I think that’s just being able to be present with him, that is the joy. Me being able to be his wife with him. Those are the moments.”
— Emma Heming Willis, Model and Businesswoman
The Difficult Path to Understanding and Supporting FTD
Emma Heming Willis has spoken about the uncertainty and overwhelming emotions that came with Bruce’s diagnosis. The family initially struggled with a lack of guidance and resources after learning about Bruce’s condition two years ago. She recalls feeling lost and unsupported following the diagnosis, highlighting how vital it was to seek out information and adapt to their new reality.
She has previously expressed her frustration over the difficult early days after Bruce received his diagnosis, describing a profound sense of loss and confusion. Emma took it upon herself to research FTD online, seeking answers about how the disease would affect Bruce and the rest of the family.
“So, in the beginning, your person can still manage some things, and then slowly the needs start changing and the things that they used to be able to do they can’t do anymore. You have to rev up the support.”
— Emma Heming Willis, Model and Businesswoman
Looking Forward with Hope and Resilience
Despite the blurred boundaries of old and new traditions, the Willis family continues to adapt by focusing on simple pleasures, laughter, and being present with each other. Emma underscores the value of support, resilience, and finding moments of joy, no matter the circumstances brought by a diagnosis like FTD. The family’s commitment to celebrating Bruce Willis Christmas celebrations in their unique way serves as an encouraging message to other families dealing with similar challenges, showing that joy can still be found during the holidays.
