Oh, Elisabeth, I'm so sorry about your mom. I lost my father a week before Christmas, 24 years ago, and it is a hard loss any time of year, but it definitely marks the holidays in particular.
I'm glad that school is going so well. Grad school was a huge thing that engrossed me and occupied me after dad died. I still struggled with depression and grieving, but having a full time job plus grad school to occupy my mind definitely helped me to keep moving forward.
I wish all the best for you in 2016!