I am glad you started this thread, Karen. And I am glad to hear that you have found some strength to start some new traditions. I did volunteer at a church run Thanksgiving for the homeless two years ago, and I loved it. I would love to do it again. It does get tougher as we get older, and our families move away, or even worse, pass away. I have a very strong neighbor who was an only child who never married, and whose parents have both died. She has shown great strength during the holidays, hosting her own dinners for people in her church or in the neighborhood who do not have families with whom to spend their holiday. It inspired me to do the same the last two Christmases. This year my family in Florida was supposed to come up. I was informed this past weekend that because of financial difficulties they will not be coming. Not sure yet if I am going to prepare another big Christmas turkey this year or not. But if I do, you are invited.