My husband wasn't very good about buying presents...in his later years he did make an effort...and a few times really outdid himself. But, like you, I understand fully that my husband was my greatest gift. I wish we both could have our treasures with us. Peace to you...love, linda

i always waited to the last minute to get cindy her gifts and i did not always do very good ,i wish i would have did better.

Hubby was not well, last year, so he made sure the boys did right by me. They said he continually questioned them, as to if they got me nice gifts. The hardest part of this year, was Not shopping for hubby. He always got new slippers, every year, and expected them. And i cant even look at a box of chocolate covered cherries without balling, they were his favorite.

Scott used to buy me gorgeous (and romantic) gifts. As the years went by, we got to where we were buying each other more useful things, and that was OK. The last year he was here from Christmas, we had just moved cross-country. We had a new house and for Christmas we bought new furniture for the living room, dining room, and a few bookshelves for the den. We didn't exchange gifts like we normally had.

I feel bad sometimes though, about the year before that. We didn't have a lot of money that year granted, and we were into the fleur de lis frenzy that swept our area after the storm. But still, I was expecting maybe a small bottle of perfume. He handed me my gift and I got madder than hell! I remember screaming, "You gave me hardware?!?!?!" That's what it sounded like.....and that's what it was...even though it was beautiful hardware. (Two hand-forged iron fleur-de-lis coat hooks and a large, silver oval plaque with four silver fluer-de-lis coat hooks. I digressed a bit once I looked them over....and we took them off the walls when we moved and they're now in the new house. Yeah, I forgave him and me and we laughed about it....but what I wouldn't give to get another box of hardware for Christmas. Damn, this is tough!

You have your memories of happier times - that's the gift. There are many people who do not have that.

Mack was a thoughtful and wonderful gift giver. He always focused on a theme- an author I liked, a brand of clothing something. One year he gave me 4 Christmas sweaters ( that aggrevated me a little0 But as I wore those this Dec. I felt his love envelope me. I will treasure each and everyone. I also have come across several cards he gave. He was always just leaving me cards, for no reason other than just to say I love you. I am glad I have those treasures.

I found last yrs Christmas card from him, put it up on the bookcase
Will put in my scrapbook abut him
Sad times these last few days, I just cry a lot right now
Today went to daughters, was ok, was glad to get out of there though

My friends and family worked very hard to make sure there were lots of presents under my tree. But, after brunch with friends and before a dinner with other, especially dear friends, I will be back home to open those presents alone. Really, who can do this?

Yes, you are right. On the 4th it will be nine months since my husband died and I have even counted how many tubes of toothpaste I have bought that he did not use. For me realization finally led me to begin to accept my reality. That was a turning point for me and I was able to let go of some of my other devestating emotions. It is only because of the love and constant of my children and two extremely dear friends, that I have slowly begun to come out of my dark hole. I am not completely out, but I can now say that I am doing better. It takes time and we must feel many emotions that we do not understand or the whys we must go through them. But slowly, in acceptance healing begins. May you have peace today.

I did not have one presents to open at my house nor did I put up a tree. Its just like another day alone. Oh well but I just feel let down and the reaslization no presents from Roger ever.
On my 60th April 9 he threw me a surprise party that will be a good memory.

Joe and I always enjoyed giving each other gifts. But even though I hung stockings for us both, it was just for decoration. I never put anything in them. I thought only kids got stuff in their stockings. Well, every Christmas, after all the gifts were unwrapped and I was cleaning up, Joe would say, "Honey, did you check your stocking?" and it would always surprise me to hear him say that, although he said it every year. The stocking would always look flat like nothing was in it. He would say, "Put your hand way down in the bottom." And, yes, it was always jewelry. Sometimes from the jeweler, sometimes from a department store. But he knew I loved all things that sparkle, so he always gave me something sparkly. This year I had no trouble putting up the tree and other decorations, but could not bring myself to hang the stockings. He was always so proud of his stocking choices for me. Miss him so much words cannot express it. I will always love you, my Joe.