The LO's may have been the host or hostess of so many past holidays. And even if they didn't host, they were loved and part of the holidays.

First holidays after they pass can be difficult and even unbearable.

It might be a good time to seek out a support group or counseling.

But creating new tradition(s)can also help one heal and make it through holidays to come.

One idea is a Cookie Exchange. It is where a host/hostess invites guest to bring 3 dozen home-made cookies. The guest put their 3 dozen cookies on a dining table together. Then the guest use a plate or the lid of their container to walk around the table gathering 3 dozen cookies from all the cookies on the table.
After everyone gets their 3 dozen cookies packed away, there are always more cookies from the host/hostess or guest that baked more. So we sit around munching and visiting.
Sometimes we go off to a nearby Christmas Street and sing Christmas Carols.
One woman (I don't know her)has created a cookie exchange website with rules, recipes, suggestions, etc. http://www.cookie-exchange.com/polls.html

Also we do a Ornament Exchange on another day/night at someone else's home. The ornaments are store bought and we gift wrap them unmarked.
We visit eating hor'deurves and Baileys and then sing Christmas Carols from provided sheet music and then someone passes out the ornaments to each person.

Thanks for the ideas, Anita