*Sigh*. I got over, and understood no more tree, real or otherwise, as everyone got older. Even though my brother and I were constantly out of the house with friends, we always spent holidays with our parents. We were so tight and loving. Always kisses and hugs and I you. I'll still put up cutsie snowman and santas and reindeers etc., but it's NOT the same. I mentioned this last year too, how difficult, (after all these years,) the holidays are without my sweet parents. I'm learning how dysfunctional my mom's family was. Basically, except for my brother (and John, his family and our friends) the only family member I have is my 97 y.o. wonderful uncle. Lots of parties are great, but I still have to come home. Oops..sorry....this is a one woman pity party!!!