Who will you be remembering this Christmas?

[PumpkinJack81]

With the passing of loved ones and the many men and women we have fighting around the world, many of us will not be able to spend Christmas with everyone in our family. So, I thought it would be nice to have a thread where we can discuss those who we will be remembering this Christmas... :angel:

[PumpkinJack81]

The main reason I thought of this thread is because my wife recently lost her last living grandfather. And with the holidays quickly approaching, I know we will all be thinking of Grandpa this year and will remember him when we get together as a family for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Thinking of him... :my lord:

[star11069]

The last 3 years has been hard for us. My nan died suddenly 3 years ago on the 12 december, which made christmas a hard time. Then my mother in law died of lung cancer
may 2006. At christmas i called her mum xmas as she loved christmas, she would have decorations everywhere (she said it was for the kids, it wasn't really, it was for her).
We seemed to never be the same about christmas but this year my tree is up already, presents brought. As they always loved christmas, so this year going to remenber them with smiles on our faces. The way they would of wanted.

[PumpkinJack81]

The last 3 years has been hard for us. My nan died suddenly 3 years ago on the 12 december, which made christmas a hard time. Then my mother in law died of lung cancer
may 2006. At christmas i called her mum xmas as she loved christmas, she would have decorations everywhere (she said it was for the kids, it wasn't really, it was for her).
We seemed to never be the same about christmas but this year my tree is up already, presents brought. As they always loved christmas, so this year going to remenber them with smiles on our faces. The way they would of wanted.

I think that is a wonderful way to celebrate and remember your "Mum Xmas" this year... Thanks for sharing with us! :angel:

[trickster]

My Nana & Grandad as always!

It has been 10 years since my Nan passed and I still miss her now.

[PumpkinJack81]

I pray that each and every one of you who have lost loved ones this year will be blessed with a joyous new year in 2008, along with your families... :angel:

[onemagicalchristmas]

at this time of year I remember my Aunt Margaret I used to spend many days with her when I lived in Ohio. She was my second mom. I would help her put out her decorations and she would always back us a loaf of christmas bread (which no one really liked ) but we never told her. We would graciously accept it every year. so when I think of christmas I think of Aunt Margaret and her christmas bread!

:carols::carols::carols::carols:

[noelglori]

I miss both my parents terribly during the Christmas season because they both loved it and they both made it a wonderful happy time. The atmosphere in my home was one of joy and peace, my dad was always home Christmas eve and never ever sat at the bars. He trimmed the tree and I helped. He loved to decorate.
Mom liked to have the house decorated but she didn't get involved in doing it.

This will be my 2nd Christmas without Dad and my 7th without mom. But I never let my kids or grandchildren see me sad for it's a happy time and I want them to have good memories too.

Enjoy all your special times with your parents and loved ones. May your homes be an atmosphere of joy and peace.

[Theresa Cunningham]

I'll miss both of my parent's also..It's been 6 yrs since my dad passed and 4 since my mother passed away...The traditions that she tried so hard to keep I'll make sure they stay in the family.:my lord:

[onemagicalchristmas]

thats a great way to honor her during the holidays.

[ajfree]

I will and have been thinking of my Grandmother. Oh could that lady put on a Christmas. She has been gone now for 8 years and it is still very difficult for me at Christmas time. She use to do a lot of crafts. She made stockings and christmas tree skirts out of felt and sewed all kinds of sequins and beads on them. I had my Christmas tree skirt appraised about 12 years ago and they said to insure for $250.00. I am sure it is probably worth more than that now. Also our stockings are all stockings she made as each one of us kids were born. My stocking is 47 years old. When we each got married our spouse got one and then the grand kids. She even made up some nameless ones for after she died for any new babies to come into the family. She wrapped gifts like a fancy department store. She cooked all kinds of goodies and her Christmas dinner table would put Martha Stewart to shame. Most important of all she made sure us kids knew how much she loved us. She would do anything in the world for us :crying: I sure do miss her but I feel her memories in everything I do at Christmas.:love:

[Noel]

I will and have been thinking of my Grandmother. Oh could that lady put on a Christmas. She has been gone now for 8 years and it is still very difficult for me at Christmas time. She use to do a lot of crafts. She made stockings and christmas tree skirts out of felt and sewed all kinds of sequins and beads on them. I had my Christmas tree skirt appraised about 12 years ago and they said to insure for $250.00. I am sure it is probably worth more than that now. Also our stockings are all stockings she made as each one of us kids were born. My stocking is 47 years old. When we each got married our spouse got one and then the grand kids. She even made up some nameless ones for after she died for any new babies to come into the family. She wrapped gifts like a fancy department store. She cooked all kinds of goodies and her Christmas dinner table would put Martha Stewart to shame. Most important of all she made sure us kids knew how much she loved us. She would do anything in the world for us :crying: I sure do miss her but I feel her memories in everything I do at Christmas.:love:


I will be thinking about my grandmother I lost 22 years ago, and I've always be thinking about her since. 2 years ago my husband lost his father and he tellls me about him everyday. and this summer my dear aunt died on her 65th birthday. This christmas without her will be a sad one.:crying:

[drc40]

It has been 20 years since I lost my first son. I still miss him and wonder what he would have been like at this age if he had lived.

[onemagicalchristmas]

First Christmas In Heaven


I see the countless Christmas trees
around the world below
With tiny lights, like Heaven's stars,
reflecting on the snow

The sight is so spectacular,
please wipe away the tear
For I am spending Christmas with
Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs
that people hold so dear
But the sounds of music can't compare
with the Christmas choir up here.

I have no words to tell you,
the joy their voices bring,
For it is beyond description,
to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me,
I see the pain inside your heart.
But I am not so far away,
We really aren't apart.

So be happy for me, dear ones,
You know I hold you dear.
And be glad I'm spending Christmas
with Jesus Christ this year.

I sent you each a special gift,
from my heavenly home above.
I sent you each a memory
of my undying love.

After all, love is a gift more precious
than pure gold.
It was always most important
in the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other,
as my Father said to do.
For I can't count the blessing or love
He has for each of you.

So have a Merry Christmas and
wipe away that tear.
Remember, I am spending Christmas with
Jesus Christ this year.
Unknown.

[steph535]

ajfree, what a beautiful legacy your grandmother left you! She must have been a wonderful person. All of you have such tender and touching stories and memories. And, onemagicalchristmas, what a great poem. thank you all. I will be remembering my father, who died in 1991, and also my mother, brothers, two daughters, sister-in-law, nieces and nephew, and of course, my 4 beautiful grandsons, who all live waaaaaaayy out of state. But, MY OLDEST SON IS COMING HERE FOR CHRISTMAS!!!!! YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO !!!!!presents

[onemagicalchristmas]

ajfree, what a beautiful legacy your grandmother left you! She must have been a wonderful person. All of you have such tender and touching stories and memories. And, onemagicalchristmas, what a great poem. thank you all. I will be remembering my father, who died in 1991, and also my mother, brothers, two daughters, sister-in-law, nieces and nephew, and of course, my 4 beautiful grandsons, who all live waaaaaaayy out of state. But, MY OLDEST SON IS COMING HERE FOR CHRISTMAS!!!!! YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO !!!!!presents

I am glad you enjoyed the poem and that you get to see and spend time with your oldest son! Our time on earth is precious! God Bless You!:snowman:

[Noel]

I am glad you enjoyed the poem and that you get to see and spend time with your oldest son! Our time on earth is precious! God Bless You!:snowman:

thank you for your wonderful poem, it makes me so much think about my dear aunt I lost last june.
how I miss her this xmas..:crying:

[Donna-50]

What a lovely poem. I lost my Mom this past May and my Dad the July before.

[andrewtiger]

My parents and my brother, as i have been away from home for two years

[charminggiftstore]

My paternal grandparents and my maternal grandmother.





Denise Wilson
Charming Gift Store
http://www.charminggiftstore.com
Great Gift Baksets For Every Occasion!

[onemagicalchristmas]

The closer it gets to christmas I remember my aunt Margaret and her family they are all gone except my cousin David and his family. Tommy used to get every family a fruit basket and had it delivered two days before christmas And my cousin Carol would always bring in the most delicous popcorn balls from a candy store in Columbus Ohio. One year she and I made pizzelles for CHristmas. I didn't find any around here this year. Usually Aldi's have them but not this year! :carols:

[tlazer]

Definitely My Parents. I lost both within 1year of each other.Years ago.

[olga]

I think these Christmas I will be remembering our dog, because its gonna be his 2nd Christmas away from us..
Someone poisoned him 2 years ago and my dad still can not live with that... He is 75 years old and the dog was his life, his friend, from the day he retired from work.. They even used to go for coffee together.. Now, my dad does not want any other dog and just living remembering him.. Last Christmas he put a photo of him under the tree and after 00.00, dad gave him his little piece of Christmas cake and then cried....
That was a very sad scene, because I wanted to cry too, I just did not, because I wanted to seem strong.

I just try to get him another one, but he does not want.. I just do not know what to do..

[tinkerbell2]

we will be remembering our baby son who would have been 18yrs old next week:angel:

[onemagicalchristmas]

I think these Christmas I will be remembering our dog, because its gonna be his 2nd Christmas away from us..
Someone poisoned him 2 years ago and my dad still can not live with that... He is 75 years old and the dog was his life, his friend, from the day he retired from work.. They even used to go for coffee together.. Now, my dad does not want any other dog and just living remembering him.. Last Christmas he put a photo of him under the tree and after 00.00, dad gave him his little piece of Christmas cake and then cried....
That was a very sad scene, because I wanted to cry too, I just did not, because I wanted to seem strong.

I just try to get him another one, but he does not want.. I just do not know what to do..


Just be there for him and try to understand how he feels. no other dog can take the others place. You have to be ready for another one or else the new dog pays for it in the long run. I have been there

we will be remembering our baby son who would have been 18yrs old next week:angel:

Sorry you lost him but he lives in your heart celebrate him. let yourself enjoy his memories.

[tinkerbell2]

Thanks OMC for those kind words we did cherish the 16hrs we had with him:angel:

[Christmasplease]

I will be remembering my Dad who left us April/98.:my lord:

[olga]

Just be there for him and try to understand how he feels. no other dog can take the others place. You have to be ready for another one or else the new dog pays for it in the long run. I have been there.

Hey, thank you.. It is so difficult though...:sad elf:

[onemagicalchristmas]

I will be rembering my aunts (Judy, Margaret, Lillian, Juanita) this CHristmas as I am sure they will be around me. I feel like Aunt Margaret is here as I decorate my tree she loved watching as we decorated her tree each year.

[ChristmasFanatic]

My Grandma and Granddad, Grandma has been gone for 15 years and Granddad for 6. My younger brother who we lost in May. I'm not sure how any of us will handle the holiday season, this year, but I love the poem that was posted and will share that with my family.

[olga]

My Grandma and Granddad, Grandma has been gone for 15 years and Granddad for 6. My younger brother who we lost in May. I'm not sure how any of us will handle the holiday season, this year, but I love the poem that was posted and will share that with my family.

Im very sorry for your loss this year. Yes, I believe holidays are gonna be different for you this year, but Im sure that Christmas is gonna fill you with love and great memories from wonderful moments you shared with your brother..

[ChristmasFanatic]

Im very sorry for your loss this year. Yes, I believe holidays are gonna be different for you this year, but Im sure that Christmas is gonna fill you with love and great memories from wonderful moments you shared with your brother..

Thanks, Olga, it will be a difficult holiday season, but I'm sure we'll make the best of it and celebrate it to honor his memory.

[tinkerbell2]

well i have just been to the cemetery to lay flowers on our son's grave....would have been

18yrs old today...:smitten::smitten:

[Christmasplease]

well i have just been to the cemetery to lay flowers on our son's grave....would have been

18yrs old today...:smitten::smitten:

Oh Tinks there are now words.:my lord:

[tinkerbell2]

Oh Tinks there are now words.:my lord:

Thats ok...long time now, gets easier.:smitten:

[Christmasplease]

My Grandma and Granddad, Grandma has been gone for 15 years and Granddad for 6. My younger brother who we lost in May. I'm not sure how any of us will handle the holiday season, this year, but I love the poem that was posted and will share that with my family.

As you know, the first everything is the hardest. Cherish the happy memories and stay strong like he would want.:my lord:

[Christmasplease]

Prayers to everyone and there loved ones!:my lord:

[ChristmasFanatic]

Thanks! We had two wonderful holiday seasons, in 2007 and 2008. He wasn't always around for the holidays, but he loved them and we will make sure to enjoy them, this year, as he would have wanted.

[angelpugs]

I will be remembering my mom and dad as i lost my mom 2yrs ago of cancer and my dad is just a year as my mom and i were the christmas people,we both started a day before thanksgiving as our trees were up and decorating would be done my dad just stayed out of the way he knew we were on a mission.I miss them both very much but,my mom would want me to carry on and i do,in her memory.:angel::presents1:

[Christmasplease]

I will be remembering my mom and dad as i lost my mom 2yrs ago of cancer and my dad is just a year as my mom and i were the christmas people,we both started a day before thanksgiving as our trees were up and decorating would be done my dad just stayed out of the way he knew we were on a mission.I miss them both very much but,my mom would want me to carry on and i do,in her memory.:angel::presents1:


That's the spirit!:santa:

[angelpugs]

Thank you as this was a holiday we shared and loved my mom would expect me to carry on as i remember her last words to me before she passed was "remember always"as i knew what she meant because we were very close and i figured it all out and if i didn't do this and just gave up she would be angry with me so i will carry on in her name and keep this special tradition going that we shared.As i remember my dad in his words famous words "i'm going to the store" and be gone most of the day as he knew what was happening at the house i still laugh thinking about the way he would say it and that look on his face,he could rib mom and i so bad but,we always laughed at him,our home was always filled with laughter.:christmastree::santa-smiley:

[Christmasplease]

Thank you as this was a holiday we shared and loved my mom would expect me to carry on as i remember her last words to me before she passed was "remember always"as i knew what she meant because we were very close and i figured it all out and if i didn't do this and just gave up she would be angry with me so i will carry on in her name and keep this special tradition going that we shared.As i remember my dad in his words famous words "i'm going to the store" and be gone most of the day as he knew what was happening at the house i still laugh thinking about the way he would say it and that look on his face,he could rib mom and i so bad but,we always laughed at him,our home was always filled with laughter.:christmastree::santa-smiley:

Laughter, one of God's many blessings!:smitten:

[ANGWife]

My grandmother passed away last year on Christmas Eve. So on Christmas day we all sort of just shuffled thru the motions. But this year we will start new traditions and remember how much she loved having us over for the holidays.

[olga]

My grandmother passed away last year on Christmas Eve. So on Christmas day we all sort of just shuffled thru the motions. But this year we will start new traditions and remember how much she loved having us over for the holidays.

Your thoughts are very cute.. :smitten:

[Home alone 2]

A few years back my Uncle died near the end of November which is close to Christmas , so I will be remembering him and My Nana and Granddad's this year.

[ornamentmaven]

Will be remembering my Aunt Nora who passed away Christmas morning before her family was up. She was only 46 and unfortunely for her family, collapsed near the Christmas tree! Its been 20 years now!

[SnowAngel]

My cousin Nicholas who died in a car accident 1 1/2 years ago. Can't believe it's been so long already. He was 25.

[olga]

My cousin Nicholas who died in a car accident 1 1/2 years ago. Can't believe it's been so long already. He was 25.

Thats so sad and so unfair... Sorry to hear that.. :elf2:

[tinkerbell2]

Well this weekend we pop the little christmas wreath I made on our
sons grave....:angel:

[gummgirl]

Both of my grandparents. My grandma passed away in 2006 and my grandpa just passed away in October.

[cocoandcookie]

Our dog Odie as he passed away on the way to an emergency vet early Christmas morning in '05.

[PaintIdeas]

This will be my first Christmas without my grandfather. Christmas was his favorite holiday. Every year we look forward to his green velvet pants with red holly. He will be there this year in spirit.

[kimmy]

i will be remembering my mum, its always harder around christmas time as her birthday is on the 22nd of december, she died when i was eight which was 17 years ago, but i still always think about her this time of the year especially...

[disneyseason]

My 17 yr old son -
Im recently divorced and he chose to stay in MA with his father. His friends are there and he didnt want to leave them. Im now living in FL and working for the mouse. Cant get time off to fly home to see my son. I am doing something a version of the 12 days of Christmas w/him. For 12 days right before Christmas (add a week for the mail) Im sending a Christmas card with either cash or a gift card. Want him to know I think of him several times every day

[mcjakeqcool]

My mates Kevin and Shakka as I will be at my family's house and will not have the opportunity to wish them Merry Xmas on the big day.

[tlazer]

My parents, and all :sad elf: military men and women still with us and those who gave their lives for us

[Noel]

My parents, and all :sad elf: military men and women still with us and those who gave their lives for us

my grandmother, my aunt, some friends...

[Caninemom3]

There are so many I will be remembering in 2010. My parents, both my brothers and my first husband as well as my furchildren Autumn, Mugsy, Bert, Holly, Bandit, among others. I am hoping that in some way they are still with me though I can no longer see them......

[olga]

So sad Louann, Im really sorry to hear about that. :sad elf:

I think they are somewhere, else, all together, and happy you continue with your life.
Thats what they would want for you, Im sure..

And yes, I agree, I believe they are with you all the time, just you can not see them.. :smitten:

(dont forget to smile Louann, never.. :santa:)

[Caninemom3]

Thanks Olga !!! You are very sweet !!

[Elf_Erv]

I will be remembering my grandpa this and every Christmas, he enjoyed Christmas very much. He liked to tell stories about Christmas during the depression years, they didn't have any money but would make gifts.

[stephmcuk]

This is gonna be a sad christmas this year we lost my oh grandpa.. our kids called him papa.

he was a major part of are family and we had dinner with him at least once a week. Even when i was thinking of buying pressie's the other day i naturally thought of getting him one then remembered he wasnt around..it was a horrible feeling :(

[Jordan]

I lost my younger sister last November, so Christmas 2009 was terribly hard on my family and I. It's hard to celebrate when someone is missing.
This year, I'm hoping things will be a little easier, though I know we'll all still be thinking of her. I feel especially remorseful for my parents. My sister was just 25.

[The Mole]

I share your pain. This Christmas will be the fourth without Mum and it doesn't get any easier with time. Christmas has not been the same since she passed on, and that is one of the reasons that I joined ATC, in the hope of getting some of the lost spirit back.

[tinkerbell2]

Well tomorrow would have been my little baby sons 19th birthday...:my lord:

Its hard to think that so much time has gone by..:smitten:

[Jordan]

Does anyone here do anything at Christmas to remember their loved ones? Last year, to commemorate my sister, everyone in my family used the money they would have spent on her to buy a toy for a child in need (e.g., Angel Tree). I thought it was very soothing, in a way.

[Myy79]

This Christmas is going to be one of the most memorable all. Heta's first Christmas, and Christmas with my parents after few years.

[Xmas Annie]

This Christmas is going to be one of the most memorable all. Heta's first Christmas, and Christmas with my parents after few years.

How joyous!

[Elizah]

We lost my dad last year, and it was difficult spending the first Christmas without him. I am hoping this year it would be easier.

[olga]

Does anyone here do anything at Christmas to remember their loved ones? Last year, to commemorate my sister, everyone in my family used the money they would have spent on her to buy a toy for a child in need (e.g., Angel Tree). I thought it was very soothing, in a way.

This, has really touched my heart.. :elf2:

[Ali13]

My Grandad died on Christmas Eve a few years back which made it really hard for my Mother around Christmas time, he would come to my house on Christmas day for the Christmas dinner, as would many other relatives which made for some really good Christmas memories, other family members have passed away now too, there is only three of us at Christmas dinner this year which is sad, but we will be remembering all of those who used to sit at the table with us who are no longer here and make a toast to them before eating.

[Jordan]

This, has really touched my heart.. :elf2:
Just noticed this comment, olga. I'm glad you feel that way. I think it's touching in some way, too.

My wife and I just finished buying for the angel tree kids again this year. It's nice to do helpful something to commemorate my sister's giving and caring ways.

[ornamentmaven]

I may have posted this before - but... We've lost three people around Christmas time. My Aunt died Christmas morning 21 years ago. She was only in her 40's and was a very inteligent and successful woman. Unfortunately she had a drinking problem, she bled to death from a bleeding ulcer. Her family found her dead under the tree. Needless to say - Christmas has never been the same for them! Twenty five years ago, my husband's Uncle had a heart attacked and passed away at a New Year's Eve party. He was an older man who always enjoyed life. Then, about 18 years ago, my Grandmother died a few days before Christmas Her funeral was on Dec 23rd. I think about the three of them every Christmas!

[angelpugs2]

Ill be remembering my mom and dad as i lost them both and my first rescue pug who was such a sweet girl and my friends here at all things christmas who make the holidays fun and give you a warm greeting everyday.:christmastree:

[Hutton]

I will be thinking of my Grandfather, who died one month ago today. While he would not have been with us on Christmas Day if he was alive (he has been badly ill for some time), it is a member of our family who is not alive for Christmas and that alone will affect us all.

He will be in our thoughts that day :my lord:

[jeremy m]

i will be thinking of mom's dad(who passed away on 5-26-00,my dad's parents)pop died on 1-6-97 and nana on april 1999,my great grandmother(mamaw,mom's mother's mom)who passed away on 3-15-93...
and lot other loved ones.

[Home alone 2]

This year I will be remembering my Cousin who died last month.

[SilverBells]

This year I will be remembering my Cousin who died last month.

I'm sorry for your loss Home alone 2.

I will be remembering my dad. It's going to be the first Christmas without him :sad elf:

[Jordan]

Sorry for you both, HA2 and Tia. Having lost my younger sister less than 2 years ago, I can sympathize with you. The pain goes away with time, but the memories remain.

[ornamentmaven]

I always think of my Aunt Nora who died Christmas Morning and was unfortunately found by her family next to the Christmas tree. They still don't set up a tree. My grandma died two days before Christmas - 15 years ago and my husband's uncle passed away at a New Years Eve party 25 years ago. This year I'll also be remembering my Aunt Rita who died a few weeks ago.

[SilverBells]

Sorry for you both, HA2 and Tia. Having lost my younger sister less than 2 years ago, I can sympathize with you. The pain goes away with time, but the memories remain.

Thank you Jordan. It's only been 3 months and it still hurts so much. :sad elf:

[Calypso Christmas]

Thank you Jordan. It's only been 3 months and it still hurts so much. :sad elf:
I am so sorry. The first Christmas is not easy .......

I will be remembering my wonderful husband of 30 years who suffered a sudden heart attack and died last year. He is remembered every second of every minute of every hour of the day but Christmas is especially difficult as he so loved this time of the year .... and oh the memories !!! :crying:

[SilverBells]

I am so sorry. The first Christmas is not easy .......

I will be remembering my wonderful husband of 30 years who suffered a sudden heart attack and died last year. He is remembered every second of every minute of every hour of the day but Christmas is especially difficult as he so loved this time of the year .... and oh the memories !!! :crying:

I am so sorry for your loss Calypso Christmas :sad elf: I hope you find some comfort and not just painful feelings in your memories.

[Calypso Christmas]

I am so sorry for your loss Calypso Christmas :sad elf: I hope you find some comfort and not just painful feelings in your memories.Thank you Silver Bells :santa2:

[mina553]

i miss my lil brother that died suddenly 3 years ago & Alex 17 that was creamated on the 27 Nov 2011 i miss you guys they loved Christmas a lot :(

[angelpugs2]

As i will be remembering my special pugs noah and sheba as they are missed so much and the men and women who will be coming home soon which is great news as my cousin is one of them he'll be home soon as are happy and thank god for that.:santa2::merrychristmas::treedance:

[ornamentmaven]

My Aunt Rita who passed away earlier in the year and my sister-in-law's mother who died in July

[Marshmallow World]

Every Christmas I'll remember my grandmothers who passed away on 23 Dec. 1976 and 24 Dec. 1986 and my pen pal Jessy who passed away 2 March 2011.

http://i774.photobucket.com/albums/yy27/DiademRose/Christmas%20Graphics/Christmas2010061-1-1.jpg

[mina553]

IAM SO SORRY all of u i cannot begin to explain how it hurts but u have all been there so u know u just have to be strong & carry on cause u know thjats what they would want 4 us