There is nothing like celebrating the holidays right after a death. My heart goes out to the families that will have a very different Christmas this year. Knowing that your loved one will be celebrating in the arms of the Savior is important. Having lost my first husband, I understand, even if I can't feel the depths of your loss. Here are some things that might help you as you go through this: consider celebrating in a very different way. If you usually have everyone over to your house, do the celebrating at someone else's. If pictures of your loved one upset you more, then don't look at them yet. If they provide a balm for your soul, then go through lots of them. Allow friends to quietly remove gifts from under the tree and quietly get them out of sight. At some point, you might consider giving children's gifts to an orphans home or some type of place-your church would be happy to get them in a child's hands "in honor of the deceased child." Remember, we have been promised the "peace that passes understanding." Pray for this and be thankful for its availability and receipt. God will take a tragedy and turn it into a triumph. Also know that someone in Louisiana, who has been through the death of a spouse, will be praying for you to have that peace, will be praying for a special confirmation be given to you to reassure you that your loved one is happily in the arms of the Savior. You will never get over your loss, but one day the good memories will block out the bad. You will smile again, one day. In the meantime, pray and accept the comfort given by the Lord. God bless you.

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