Denny, thank you for sharing such a magical experience. I think we are all blessed with the special "winks", happenings, events or other things that seem to somehow show us that in a way our loved ones are still with us. My most recent wink had something to do with writing on my mirror. My husband use to leave me love notes written in my lipstick on the bathroom mirror, I found a note written in dust on my bedroom mirror. I cannot say I actually understood the meaning of it, but it did make me smile and brought a bit of comfort to me.
May that crystal tree continue to shine and glow for you, I am sure it is love sent straight from Suzy to you.
Love ya, Lyn

Thanks, Denny. Just a reminder that we don't have to have "things" to rejoice in the Love...

As I sit here contemplating getting out the tree and decorations, I ask myself "why?"

Why do I create an atmosphere
That reminds me Ann isn't here?

Why do I set up a tree
When it's Ann I want to see?

Why do I hang balls and lights
And miss all the sights

...and sounds, and smells of Christmas?

Why should I NOT decorate the house
If only to miss my spouse?

Why should I NOT put out the stuff
Butf it'll be a little tough?

Why should I NOT be full of cheer
Just because Ann isn't here

...to join the fun and celebrate Christmas?

I'll tell you why it's important to me
Just to set up the Christmas tree.

I'll tell you why I have to do this
Even though it's Ann I miss.

I'll tell you why I go through
What over the years grew

...into our own special Christmas.

It's so I can go on and celebrate
And continue to create

The magic that has become
Somewhat quiet and lonesome

A time for me to believe in her
And fill the time to remember

...the Holiday is here, Merry Christmas!

I too have two sets or ornaments....one of the family traditional ones collected over the years and the other in all white and crystal....this is my 3rd year and I still cannot bring myself to get a tree and put either one up. I bought a small artificial one at Michaels with lights and pinecones all over it and that is my tree now. I told my daughter and grand daughters that when they get a wee bit older, they will get the memorable old ornaments that their mother loves....and they are delighted at the prospect.

Merry Christmas everyone.....

Thanks Denny and Mike, Denny - I can still see our beautiful trees of Christmas past in my minds eye and I must admit that it helps me to remember the joy. Mike, I ask myself why bother all the time but your poem is very inspirational. It is easier not to bother but there is a greater reason to at least try. OK - I can't handle a tree yet but I will decorate the mantle. Joyce

Everyone thanks for sharing your feelings about the holidays and Christmas in particular. This is my first Christmas without my wife Emiko. I can't seem to get in the holiday spirit and certainly can't decorate a tree. We always took pictures around Chirstmas time with the tree in the background. I tow have trouble dealing with the empty chair.

Thank you - all - I haven't been able to bring myself to do the Christmas Tree thing in the six years that I've been widowed. I thought I was just "out to lunch" - there are many things that I just don't do - because the 'echo' is unbearable. I guess I'm not as alone as I thought!

jimboz -- although my wife passed away on Nov. 9, 2008, this is really the first Christmas without her, last year was just a blur. It will be a mixed bag of emotions this year, but I'm going to do my best to keep Christmas in my life, and spend as much time with family as I can.

To deck or not to deck , the quiet halls . I am just not sure, guess the kids will do it. I lost Allan this past Nov. 21st.....not even a month yet, seems like years, years of tears. I have preached, if you will, the words before to others. Time , time will soften the edges of the rough , torn feelings. It is hard to feel the holiday spirit, the traditional , conventional and commercial part, feeling that honor and privilege to honor Christ is easier, why couldn't they be separate. My thoughts and prayers, jumbled as they be, still go out to all you have suffered and will always feel this great painful loss too. Hopefully we can enjoy the holidays, as spouses would want, and give time a chance. Never thought in a million I would be typing about loss of a spouse. God grant you all peace, serenity and love.

Beautifully put, MistaiBlueWolf.

I am so sorry about your so recent loss.