Oh my folks, it does get better but it is a long hard road. In my experience the first year was horrible and the second year was better but no joy ride. I am in my fourth year and this is the best so far. The moments are still there though. They just get softer with time. One day, one step and one day and one more step. You will get through it, be patient and kind with yourself. Hugs and positive thoughts.
Valere

I lost my husband October, 2012. So this will be my third Christmas without him. The first one was a huge fog. I just went through the motions. Felt like a robot. The second felt more real, this one i am much more at peace. Even though I miss him like crazy, there is some hope for the future.

This is also my first Christmas without my wife. She passed in August.Its going to be very tough without her, but i will spending the holidays with my sisters and their families. I just hope and pray that God will get me through this, and the new year will bring some kind of happiness.

This is my second year without my husband. I still miss him everyday.
Last year was a mess. This year is different. I decided to do Christmas my way. It will be just my brother and myself. I am looking forward to the quite. I bought gifts for my grandchildren only. I will give them to them the next time I see them. Not sure when that will be. My youngest grandchild and I decorated the tree, made ornaments and decorated a gingerbread house. I took lots of pictures. The tree and ornaments will be taken down December 26. I am counting down the days until Christmas is over. We will all get through it . I can hardly wait for the new year. Wishing everyone a happy and safe holidays.

not sure if im "lucky" but so far i've just been numb. this will be my 1st christmas in 24 years without my wife. im not looking forward to christmas day AT ALL. i have travelled to see my parents, so that will help me somewhat, but once the holiday passes and i go home, its right back to the "house without her"

i *did* buy presents for my parents and sister/brother-in law..my wife always got them all perfumes/colognes, and i wanted them to all have a gift "from her" (ugh...that just started the tears) ; hopefully i can make it through the 25th with only a few tears.

wishing you all positive thoughts for this holiday...

I'm with dcheramie....grateful for the fog & numbness...all the talk about the 2nd year thaw and pain has me tripping....I still can't go through her closets...seeing her clothes just does it.

Truly the roller coaster everyone speaks of.

As we head towards Christmas Eve and day I am feeling worse and worse. Trying so hard to just get past it. First without him and just too much music and happy people. I am past the numb part and feeling every moment. Christmas was a mixed bag of emotions for us for the past 10 years because my mom had dementia and I was her sole caregiver, but I had him with me. Well now mom is gone and so is he. Never had the chance for that happy normal Christmas again. Please just be over for all of us here struggling to survive. In Jesus' name Amen

This is my first Christmas without Art. I did not put out any Christmas decorations and have not had the TV or radio on since Thanksgiving. I cannot handle the holiday ads and carols. However, I have started going to Church and the last 2 Sunday's we have sung some Christmas carols. The tears would well up in my eyes. I have found that going has brought me some hope for the future. I try to remember the reason for the season. I am thankful that last year, Art and I decided to just stay home. He will be with me in spirit this year. I bought a chicken and will cook dinner for my neighbor who is also a widow and house bound with a bad leg. He would want me to move forward and be happy. I really am trying, just so damn hard!!!! Hugs. Sue