[Maximo]

I'm glad you have the visit of your niece and great niece to look forward to. Holidays are very hard, especially the first ones, after losing a loved one, especially your mom. I agree with Teresa about making new traditions.

My family is very small and spread out around the country. I am accustomed to quiet holidays. When I worked in a hospital, I often worked the holidays while dad and my brother traveled to my grandmother's home. We have are own celebrations on different days.