My Aunt, always the "practical" one thought it would be easier if we just got together on Christmas Eve (a Sunday that year) at a community center and didn't get together as a family on Christmas Day. That would've left my mom, my brother and I all alone. I threw a fit. So my mom (feeling much the same) invited everyone to our house for Christmas dinner.
The Christmas Eve dinner was cold and harsh. But Christmas Day that year, at home, with all the family is still one of my warmest memories.
Twenty-four years later, I still miss my Dad. It's a little less painful every year. But the empty spot is still there.
It won't be easy. But hold each other close. Let the tears flow. It's okay.