Anonymous wrote:I'm sort OP, it's so hard. This will be my first Christmas without my dad. I plan to use the money I would've used for his gifts to buy things for s needy family.
On his birthday, I went to dinner and left a tip in the amount I would've spent. The waitress ran after me to make sure it wasn't a mistake. She thanked me profusely. It made a difference to her that day, and made me feel like I was doing something positive in my dad's memory.

What a nice way to remember your dad.

I'm sort OP, it's so hard. This will be my first Christmas without my dad. I plan to use the money I would've used for his gifts to buy things for s needy family.
On his birthday, I went to dinner and left a tip in the amount I would've spent. The waitress ran after me to make sure it wasn't a mistake. She thanked me profusely. It made a difference to her that day, and made me feel like I was doing something positive in my dad's memory.

Anonymous wrote:Just lost dad - anyone else not have either parent to call/visit for the holidays? How do you handle it? How do you celebrate your parents, even thought they are gone?

I find that giving to others on the holiday helps. Helping at a soup kitchen or shelter takes your mind off of your issues.

First year without my mom. She always made cookies with DS, so I will help carry out that tradition. I don't know what else. Even 9 months later I can feel a heavy wave of grief over simple things, such as a bowl. She loved sewing, though she never found the time. I've been doing a little sewing.

The first year of holidays, birthdays, and other special days is always difficult. Reminising, lots of tears and laughter and a general melancholy but remember the good times, the love, and allow time to grieve and you get through. Peace to you and peace to the spirits of your loved ones.

I'm sorry, OP, it's so hard. But as someone who's a decade further down that road (I was fairly young when I lost mine), I promise, it does get easier.

I've tried to keep some of the same food and drink traditions we shared, and it really helps.

My heart goes out to you all and anyone else who has lost both parents. I'm sorry for your losses.

I just lost my mom last month, too. (My dad's been gone a few years.) On top of that, our family tradition of having Thanksgiving with extended family has fallen apart. I'm so sad.

OP, I am so sorry for your loss.
Our first Thanksgiving after both parents were gone, we traveled to a place we had visited with them many times before. Our siblings and their families joined us. We had our Thanksgiving meal there, stayed overnight, shared memories and reminisced about them. It was lovely!
The thought of celebrating Thanksgiving in our home without them that first year was just too heartbreaking for us.
Wishing you peace, and may you find some new traditions to treasure.

Just lost dad - anyone else not have either parent to call/visit for the holidays? How do you handle it? How do you celebrate your parents, even thought they are gone?