Debbie, you need to do exactly what YOU feel like doing. Don't feel guilty for celebrating Christmas or any other holiday. I lost my 19 year old only daughter almost 10 years ago. I know grief, believe me. Try to remember what each season means and why we celebrate it. Try to focus on the people who are left here and not who is missing. Surely, we remember them and grieve them and miss them terribly, but we never know when the ones we have here might not be here next year. I know I wouldn't want to miss out on a celebration that I could have enjoyed with my remaining son and grandchildren because of being too focused on not having my precious daughter. She would not want that for us. At the same time, you cannot force yourself to do or not do certain things regarding the holidays. Just do what you feel like doing and if you don't feel like doing anything, then don't do it. Gradually as time goes by, you will probably feel like doing more and more each year. You will remember the good times, the smiles, the laughter. My saving grace is knowing without a doubt that I will see my daughter again some day. I have to live this life without her as best as I can and eventually, I will be with all of those whom I love who have left this earth. Oh, the ornament memories. All of the ornaments that we used in the years past when Christin was here, have not been used again, yet. I have decorated a tree each year in memory of my daughter and mom. It has been beautiful and it is heavenly looking with all white and silver ornaments and white lights. Someday, I will go back to the other, but we are not ready yet. Good luck to you and keep posting. Lu Here is a link that might be useful: Christin Cosby Memorial Website

I'm with DLM2000, I sleep with my builder haha! However, we are doing a self-build so there are a few other people in our lives that have dedicated a LOT of their time to our build. We are getting gifts for my father-in-law (carpenter), my Dad (electrician) and my DH's cousin who helped us out a lot as well. As for contractor's, we have one in particular that has been a huge help. I have known him my whole life and he has been easy on us with cost, when we submit payment, has always answered his phone for any inquires, never charged us for floating his equipment to our house etc. We plan on getting him a nice gift when all is said and done. No one else is getting anything but a final cheque LOL! These aren't holiday gifts however. Not sure I would get my builder something if I had one. If they provided really amazing service then I definitely would but if they are just doing what they are suppose to be and nothing more, probably not. They are getting well paid for what they are doing.

I think a gift card is always appreciated-- but I'd say all the more if it is for an indulgence. Either a gourmet shop as Eld suggests or even to their normal store with a note to get new year's treats or similar. My mother never just sends an amazon gift card.. she sends it with a note to buy something I've been wanting but didn't need.. or to rekindle an old hobby. She always puts it much more eloquently but my point is even a ubiquitous amazon card felt special with the right note. I'd be inclined to send a quarantine care package-- with or without a grocery/gournet gift card. Some suggestions to spark ideas appropriate to the family.. A family activity box: with puzzles and games. In my family, puzzles are mostly favored by the women but this one got all engaged (pick the team of your choice-- sis's family are all tarheel fans) movie binge night package classicmovie munchies, a scratch off poster of top 100 movies of all-time, an apple tv gift card, etc. Food related: kit to make hot sauce or cheese.. or go with a theme of specialty items around a type of cuisine. I always like fresh pastas, a nice chunk of locatelli, stuffed olives, etc... but so many other themes for pizza night, homemade dumplings. Something unique to your area: many places will ship things like Philly Cheesesteaks, NYC Bagels, Chicago Deep Dish, etc.

Maddie, I think I did see that, unless they have a new season. Fun show! My recollection is that gifts were usually wine and food, especially local. I would leave a lobster or blueberries except I decided to stick with things that don't spoil! I keep them in a cabinet and our maid puts them out. A custom puzzle is a really great idea, but I think more $$$ and also time. I ordered the Malin ones and they will arrive tomorrow. That way everything will be stocked and I don't have to worry. Daisy, actually i do still leave some taffy, just not the big fancy box. I have these French lamps in 2 guest rooms that I just love, but they have proven hard to style. I always buy new washcloths for guests and this is how I style the lamp in the twin-bedded room. The lamp in the Q guest room had seashells and washcloths and soaps and Kind bars.