When real things happen to imaginary people

I remember when it came to Christmas the first year after my father passed away and I had the same issue about the shopping. My solution that I've carried on every year was to buy a toy for a local charity to give on his behalf. For me this is a tradition that I carry on because it helped deal with the pain of losing him by making someone else's day happy. I know how difficult it can be but I am glad that you and your father are continuing your tradition together. It does make things easier.