designerdeb

Jen, These roses take approximately 1 minute to make!
You will need about a 1 1/2 yard length of 3 1/2 or 4 inch wide paper twist or a soft flexible ribbon to make a nice size rose.
Deb

The first Christmas following the death of a loved one can be especially difficult.
At our family gatherings we have found it helpful to light a candle (or several...one for each person) in memory of our loved ones.
We gather at the holiday table before the meal and as I light each candle, I say:

"This candle is for _________ (I name the person). We love you, we miss you, we wish you were here. May the warmth of this candle send our love up to you."

This seems like such a simple act of remembrance...and yet, it give tremendous comfort to be able to "physically show one's honor and love" for the family members who can no longer be with us.
The candle lighting tradition also gives us the opportunity to perhaps shed a tear or share a loving memory of the deceased person...giving us the knowledge and comfort that "they are still truly with us" in our hearts.