Dad past away 9 years ago just before Christmas. So, Christmas hasn't been the same since. We had to recreated new traditions keeping those old ones live in our memories. I'm not saying that Christmas is ruined because of what happened...it has changed. We still wake up early to the squeal of happy children (you can't open those presents until mom and dad have their coffee. You can open you stockings, though). The kids rip through the wrapped Christmas gifts in seconds (which took us minuets to wrap). It's all good! Now, it is the start of a new year! I can't wait to see what will be in stored!