It takes a long time. I think I am still mourning my mother's passing 6 years later! I am so sorry for your loss. My godmother died near Christmas many years ago. She was just like an aunt to me as my mom was an only child. I still think of her around the holidays every year but it doesn't hurt anymore. Time does heal. Try to think of your aunt as happy and getting some kind of reward for a life she must have lived well in order to be so loved.
--Gem

So sorry for your loss Kook..........I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.

Sorry, Kook. I've got no words of wisdom, just sorry you're hurting.

thank you grateful..that means so much

The first time we celebrate a special occasion without our loved one or ones is always the hardest, the sad thing is that it gets easier after that, why is it that it gets easier? Does it mean that we love them less, as in out of sight out of mind?

maybe a little bit of that...maybe it becomes a habit from training our minds not to think about it. Maybe even a little help from above when we are finally able to let go.

Pple always say "time heals all wounds" When in fact when you think about it, the longer the person has gone the more you miss them. Thats why years later you might hear a song on the radio that your loved liked, you find yourself getting all tearful.
Its probably more a case of time helps the acceptance of the person passing away.

good point emerald....kinda like time dulls the severity of it.

thanx for the kind supportive words Gem

I'm sorry that you are sad and hurting Kook. The holiday's can be so rough, I know. Sometimes when I observe people talking about "the holidays" it's all a big race.
Have you gotten your cards out yet?
How much more shopping do you have left?
Are you making dinner?
Where are you going?
Is your tree up yet?

When in fact Kook, everyone it seems is missing the point.
There is so much suffering in each and every one of our lives from time to time, and for some, all of the time, that maybe the busier that people pretend to need to be, the further away from their own pain they think they are.

Someone I admire very much, Dr. Keith Ablow, just wrote that the holidays are about REBIRTH. It's really that simple.

I suggest that you simply go to a cathedral, or church, or chapel and light candles for those in your life that have passed away. If you are spiritual or religious, attend a meaningful service on Christmas Eve.

The beauty for me is now in the simplicity.

Big hugs to you, and I'm sorry you are hurting.

thanx bridge....theres such an air of relief in these words.