The mum of cancer victim Bradley Lowery set a place for him for Christmas dinner as they battled to be happy throughout the day.
In an emotional Boxing Day Facebook post the brave youngster's mum Gemma also said she "just wanted the day over with" but acted happy for the sake of the other children in her family.
Football-mad Bradley died at the age of six in July 2017 after he won the hearts of the nation with his cheeky smile while he battled the rare aggressive childhood cancer neuroblastoma.
Paying tribute to her son, Gemma said: "Yesterday was so hard for me and my family, we try our hardest to be happy and act like everything is good for the other children in the family but in reality our hearts are ripped in two and I just wanted the day over with.
"We set a place for Bradley so I know he would of been with us but that doesn’t stop us missing his touch, smile, giggle and just him being him."
Since Bradley died a charity set up in his name has helped more than 30 desperately ill kids.
The Bradley Lowery Foundation has raised millions to help sick kids get pioneering treatment and medical equipment not available on the NHS.
On Boxing Day morning the charity hosted a fundraising event where brave dippers, including Bradley's dad Carl, faced the icy waters of the North Sea.
Encouraging people to make a donation, Gemma said in her post Facebook post: "Today is a new day and I’m just getting ready to go see some amazing but crazy people run into the North Sea.
"We have got 13 brave dippers this morning after having a few drop outs but in my eyes every penny that is raised is more than we had before so I am very grateful.
"If you would like to sponsor Bradley’s daddy doing the dip then you can do so with the link below. This will Help me continue my baby boys legacy."
The post was accompanied by a photo of Bradley with his parents with an explanation of why Gemma picked it.
She said: "I have chose this photo as it’s one of my favourites, walks down our local beach like a normal little family, Kieran wasn’t in many photos as he was a typical teenager who liked to keep out the way of the camera I’m sure a lot of other parents can relate to this."
Bradley's family had been fundraising since his diagnosis at the age of 18 months.
They hoped to take him for pioneering antibody treatment in the US and raised £1.3 million but he died before they could take him to the US - so the family decided to use the money for helping others.
In addition to helping sick kids the charity is also making plans for a £600,000 respite holiday home in Scarborough, North Yorks - the resort where Bradley enjoyed one of his last family holidays.
Jermain Defoe, who had grown close to Bradley during his treatment, said: "Bradley will always be in my heart."
In just over 18 months, more than 30 have benefited from Bradley's legacy.
To make a donation click here .
