Dahlek,
You prompted me to generate my own post about feeling better. I have been away on a visit back home to visit my mom's husband. Mom passed away three years ago and I needed to get back to visit her husband. He is getting up in years and I felt the need to re-connect with him. He was married to her for over 20 years and we went to visit her grave. He is doing well and has a solid network of close friends. He still introduces me as his "daughter" and truly loves me as his own. (Even though I was 25 when he married mom)
I didn't do much this year, I let my daughters do all the shopping and decorating. We even bowed out of the long trip to brothers house. We just decided to do what is best for "us" this year. Makes it much less stressful. Everyone understands and if they don't, then too bad.

This year has really shown me how grown up my daughters can really be!

Merry Christmas to all!