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Christmas has always been a time of magical joy and togetherness for Liam Payne and his son Bear. This year, however, marks a heartbreaking milestone — Bear’s first Christmas without his father. Here’s how the little boy’s mother plans to keep the holiday spirit alive amid profound loss.
Liam Payne, a beloved global pop icon and former member of One Direction, left a lasting legacy in the music industry and the hearts of millions of fans around the world.
Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson, and Niall Horan of One Direction at the signing of their book “One Direction: Forever Young: Our Official X-Factor Story” in Manchester, England, on March 7, 2011. | Source: Getty Images
His untimely death earlier this year shocked the world, as reports emerged that the 31-year-old fell to his death on October 16, 2024, after falling from a third-floor balcony at the CasaSur Palermo hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Liam Payne fans with lit candles next to the hotel where he died in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on October 16, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
The loss left his loved ones grappling with profound grief. Among those most deeply affected were Cheryl Cole, his former partner, and their seven-year-old son, Bear, who now face the challenge of moving forward without him.
Liam Payne at the Grand Reveal Weekend for Atlantis The Royal in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on January 21, 2023. | Source: Getty Images
Liam, who rose to fame as part of the British-Irish boy band One Direction, later built a successful solo career while balancing his personal life. He and Cheryl, then his girlfriend, welcomed their first and only child together in 2017.
The singer shared the joyful news by posting a heartfelt photo of himself cradling his newborn son on social media, though the image was later deleted.
Liam Payne and Cheryl Cole at the Fayre of St James’s hosted by Quintessentially Foundation and the Crown Estate in aid of Cheryl’s Trust in support of The Prince’s Trust on November 29, 2016, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Shortly after, he expressed his gratitude to fans on X, formerly Twitter, writing, “Thank you to everyone for the love and supportive messages for myself and @CherylOfficial 
It really means a lot.”
While Liam and Cheryl were never officially married, the singer referred to the former Girls Aloud star as his wife during an interview, leaving some ambiguity about the nature of their relationship.
Cheryl Cole and Liam Payne at the Global Gift Gala on May 9, 2016, in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images
The pair first met when Liam auditioned for “The X Factor,” where she was serving as a judge. Their romance, which featured a ten-year age gap, raised eyebrows, though it wasn’t entirely surprising to those close to the pair.
Cheryl Cole and Liam Payne at The BRIT Awards 2018 on February 21, 2018, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Danielle Peazer, Liam’s ex-girlfriend, once commented on the relationship, noting that the age difference didn’t shock her. “Love is love. Happiness is happiness. You just want people to be happy. They both seem happy,” she shared.
Cheryl Cole and Liam Payne spotted on March 9, 2016, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Peazer added, “I wasn’t shocked when it came out because they’re in the same industry. Maybe if he started going out with Teresa May, I’d be like, ‘Woah!’ That would be a shock. I’m five years older than him, so I know that he maybe has a thing for age gaps. I mean, look at her, I’d go out with her!”
Liam Payne and Cheryl Cole at the Chopard Trophy Ceremony at the annual 69th Cannes Film Festival on May 12, 2016, in Cannes, France. | Source: Getty Images
Despite their bond, Liam and Cheryl went their separate ways in 2018, when Bear was still a toddler. Even after their split, they remained united in co-parenting, ensuring their son grew up surrounded by love and stability.
Liam Payne, Cheryl, Sam Smith, and Jessie Ware at the Universal Music BRIT Awards afterparty on February 21, 2018, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
At the time of his passing, the “Strip That Down” singer was in a relationship with American influencer Kate Cassidy, but Cheryl made it clear there was no animosity between her and Liam. Following his death, she shared a moving tribute on social media.
Cheryl Cole photographed leaving Liam Payne’s funeral service on November 20, 2024, in Amersham, England. | Source: Getty Images
“As I try to navigate this earth-shattering event, and work through my own grief at this indescribably painful time, I’d like to kindly remind everyone that we have lost a human being,” she shared in part.
The former Girls Aloud star continued, “Liam was not only a pop star and celebrity, he was a son, a brother, an uncle, a dear friend, and a father to our 7-year-old son. A son that now has to face the reality of never seeing his father again.”
This holiday season marks the first Christmas for Bear without Liam. Despite his hectic career, the late singer always made time to be home for Christmas, creating magical memories with his son.
“Wherever Liam was in the world, he’d always make sure to be home to spend Christmas Day with Bear. [Bear] will always have those memories, but now things will be different,” a source close to the Payne family revealed.
From opening presents together to enjoying festive dinners and braving the cold to play with Liam’s giant toy dinosaurs, the holiday was a cherished tradition for the family.
In light of his absence, Cheryl has reportedly gone to great lengths to ensure Bear feels the joy of the season while honoring his father’s memory.
The festivities are set to include visits from Liam’s family, including his parents, Karen and Geoff, and his sisters, Ruth and Nicola, along with their children, who share a close bond with Bear.
Liam Payne at Capital’s Jingle Bell Ball 2019 on December 7 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
The former “X Factor” judge has allegedly remained connected to Liam’s family over the years, particularly with Ruth, and has prioritized maintaining that relationship for Bear. Her own mother, Joan, is expected to travel from Newcastle to spend the holiday with her grandson at Cheryl’s Buckinghamshire home.
Liam Payne photographed on March 1, 2024, in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images
Joining them will likely be the sons of Cheryl’s close friend and former bandmate, Kimberley Walsh. Together, the group plans to create a warm, loving environment to support Bear during this challenging time.
“It has been a really sad time for Bear and Cheryl. Cheryl has said it herself but she is trying to work through her son losing his daddy and that will mean there are many milestones to come, the first of which is Christmas,” the source said.
A floral tribute on the hearse which spells the word “Son” at Liam Payne’s funeral in 2024 in Amersham, England. | Source: Getty Images
Although Cheryl is focused on preserving Liam’s memory, she is equally intent on establishing new traditions for her son. A source close to the family shared, “Cheryl has gone to great lengths to ensure Liam isn’t forgotten.”
Liam Payne at We Day UK on March 6, 2019, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
They added, “She has been careful not to spoil Bear, given he is the son of two wealthy people, but this year is going to be tough and everyone wants to see a smile on Bear’s face. He has had an utterly heartbreaking few months.”
A funeral director placing a floral tribute which reads “Daddy” in the churchyard at Liam Payne’s funeral service on November 20, 2024, in Amersham, England. | Source: Getty Images
One person who won’t be at the celebrations is Liam Payne’s girlfriend Kate. Reports suggest the influencer never met Bear and was only introduced to his family at his funeral.
Kate, who had been dating the singer for two years, is said to be spending Christmas in the United States with her own loved ones as she copes with her grief.
Kate Cassidy at Liam Payne’s funeral on November 20, 2024, in Amersham, United Kingdom. | Source: Getty Images
This Christmas will undoubtedly be a bittersweet time for Bear and Cheryl, marked by both sorrow and resilience. Through her dedication, the devoted mother ensures that Bear not only remembers the happy times with his father but also creates new memories that reflect the love and strength
