Janelle Brown is thankful for the time she got with Garrison Brown.
Nine months after her son's death, the Sister Wives star commemorated her first Christmas without him.
“Miss you so much sweetheart,” Janelle—who also shares Logan Brown, 30, Madison Brush, 29, Hunter Brown, 27, Gabriel Brown, 23, and Savanah Brown, 19, with ex Kody Brown—captioned a family picture from Christmas Eve 2023. “I am so beyond grateful we were all together last year and got pictures.”
For the 55-year-old, she's learning to balance celebrating the holidays with remembering her son. On Thanksgiving, Janelle and her family gathered in North Carolina to celebrate Garrison’s life.
“First of the ‘big’ holidays without you sweetheart,” she shared on Instagram Dec. 1. “We laughed about your silly sense of humor and told so many stories honoring you. We ate, played games and enjoyed each other’s company. Everyone is returning home now and normal life resumes tomorrow. But I feel you close by.”
On March 5, Garrison was found dead at a home in Arizona. An autopsy later confirmed he had died by suicide at age 25.
"He was a bright spot in the lives of all who knew him,” Janelle and Kody shared to their respective Instagram pages at the time. “His loss will leave such a big hole in our lives that it takes our breath away.”
After the tragic news was shared, his sister Madison urged her followers to be more open about their mental health.
"I don't think we talk about it enough and I don't think we do enough to bring awareness," she said in a March Instagram video. "It wasn't bullying, it wasn't a lack of love that Garrison had, it was mental health, and I am going to continue talking about mental health and self-care until I am blue in the face."
She also included a note on the dangers of the Internet.
"Social media is not real—it's a highlight reel and that was something that Garrison and I talked a lot about," she continued. "I know my other siblings and my mom have expressed this—that Garrison used to feel like he wasn't doing enough because he was comparing himself to things on social media and I don't think that it's real and we need to remember that."
To mark the six month anniversary of his passing, Madison shared how Garrison's death had connected her with others who had experienced similar devastating losses.
"I am constantly reminded just how many people are touched by this kind of loss," she wrote. "Every day, I hear from people who, like me, were blindsided by the sudden absence of a loved one."
And she emphasized she’s still learning to cope with her grief.
"I miss him dearly, and the truth is, I don’t know how to talk about this," she continued. "His death took us all by surprise. It leaves me wondering—if we talked about mental health more openly, could something have changed?...For anyone who’s been touched by this kind of loss, my heart is with you. You’re not alone in the pain, and it’s okay not to have all the answers."
To see how more stars marked the holiday season, read on...
Sofia Richie
The model was going for gold in her Christmas decor and coordinating wrapping paper.
Karlie Kloss & Joshua Kushner
The model and her husband lit the candles on their menorah for Hanukkah 2024 with sons Levi, 3, and Elijah, 17 months.
Kylie Jenner
The makeup mogul showered her son Aire Webster with Despicable Me minion plushies under the tree.
Hailey Bieber
The model gave a glimpse into her first Christmas with her and Justin Bieber's son Jack Bieber, sharing a snap of her pajama "cozies" and their breakfast of soft-boiled eggs and caviar.
Chrissy Teigen & John Legend
"Christmas morning in London! Merry Christmas, guys. We love you so much," Chrissy wrote alongside the family pic with kids Luna, Miles, Esti and Wren.
Tori Spelling
"Love Actually," the Beverly Hills, 90210 alum captioned this photo of herself and kids Liam McDermott, Stella McDermott, Hattie McDermott, Finn McDermott and Beau McDermott. "Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to all. Sending love from our family to yours."
David Beckham & Victoria Beckham
The couple spiced up their Christmas celebrations with kids Brooklyn Beckham, Romeo Beckham, Cruz Beckham and Haper Beckham, as well as daughter-in-law Nicola Peltz.
Britney Spears
The "Toxic" singer and her youngest son Jayden Federline celebrated Christmas with a sweet reunion.
Heather Rae El Moussa & Tarek El Moussa
The HGTV stars celebrated the holidays with this hilarious snap featuring kids Taylor, Brayden and a tearful Tristan.
Madonna
The pop icon celebrated "X-mas and Hanukkah all at once" with her family, including daughters Lourdes, Mercy, Stella and Estere.
Chanel Iman
The supermodel, along with daughters Cali and Cassie, enjoyed at in-house self-care spa day together with Disney Deluxe Day Spa from Jakks Pacific.
Michael Bolton
"Sending warm wishes for a holiday season filled with peace, love, and joy,” the singer wrote . “May the New Year bring health, happiness, and countless moments to cherish. Here’s to fresh starts and beautiful moments in 2025!"
Gabourey Sidibe
The Precious star rang in her first Christmas as a mom with twins Maya and Cooper.
Tallulah Willus
Bruce Willis and Demi Moore's daughter got the greatest gift of all on Christmas Eve: a lifetime with her new fiancé Justin Acee.
Dua Lipa
The singer's holiday with boyfriend Callum Turner is not an illusion.
Hoda Kotb
The Today cohost got in the holiday spirit with her daughters Hope and Haley as well ex Joel Schiffman.
Billy Joel
"Merry Christmas to All," wrote the Piano Man, "and to All A Good Night!"
Brooke Shields
The supermodel and husband Chris Henchy posed alongside daughters Grier and Rowan.
Reese Witherspoon
"Wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!" the actress captioned her snap with kids Ava Phillippe, Deacon Phillippe and Tennessee Toth.
Brittany Mahomes
While husband Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs took on the Pittsburgh Steelers Dec. 25, his pregnant wife cheered on from home with kids Sterling and Bronze.
Christian Siriano
The fashion designer attends David Barton and Susanne Bartsch’s 25th annual toy drive at Gym U in New York City.
Bronwyn Newport, Angie Katsanevas, Mary Cosby & Whitney Rose
The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City costars escape the Utah snow to party at DIRECTV’s Christmas at Kathy’s bash in Beverly Hills.
Larsa Pippen & Marysol Patton
The Real Housewives of Miami costars rock Printfresh pajamas for Marysol's Recharge & Reset holiday pajama party.
Kourtney Kardashian
The Poosh founder gave fans a glimpse at her holiday decor, which included numerous Christmas trees all around her home, with one upside down.
Kris Jenner
The Kardashians star is definitely the most interesting to look at while attending Kathy & Nicky Hilton's Annual Holiday Printfresh Pajama Launch Party Benefitting Animal Haven and Camp Cocker Rescue in L.A.
Jennifer Aniston
The Friends alum showed off her festive Christmas tree, complete with her coveted olive jar ornament.
Cynthia Bailey & Crystal Kung Minkoff
The Real Housewives stars co-host The Abbey’s 15th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in honor of World AIDS Day benefiting The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation in West Hollywood.
Kathy Hilton & Nicky Hilton
The mother-daughter duo host the hottest holiday party in the 90210.
Tarek El Moussa & Heather Rae El Moussa
The lovebirds attend DIRECTV’s Christmas at Kathy’s party benefitting Ronald McDonald House charities.
Heather Dubrow
The Real Housewives of Orange County star swapped Prada for pajamas during Kathy & Nicky Hilton's Annual Holiday Printfresh Pajama Launch Party.