Family of late LSU student Madison Brooks celebrate first Christmas since tragedy with new traditions

Ashley Baustert, Madison Brooks' mom, talks to Fox News Digital about new traditions to keep her daughter's memory alive.

Madison Brooks' stocking was hung from the fireplace with care like it was every Christmas, her mom said, except this year it will be filled with letters to "Madi." 

Their Christmas tree is decorated with a beautiful explosion of pink ribbons, angels and images of the 19-year-old Louisiana State University sophomore, who died in January when she was hit by a car after she was allegedly raped.

Brooks' family is helping two children – a boy and a girl – near their home in Louisiana who were forced to escape a broken home rife with abuse, said Ashley Baustert, Brooks' mom, who bought them gifts. Her family will play Santa in her daughter's honor.

"Madi had a super sweet heart. She was very giving," Baustert told Fox News Digital. "Christmas was her favorite holiday, but not because of the gifts, just because of being with family and seeing other people happy and smile. That's what brought her so much joy."

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Ashley Baustert (left) in matching pajamas with her daughter, Madison Brooks (right), during a past Christmas.  (Ashley Baustert)

The first holiday season without Brooks is going to be an emotional roller coaster. Her daughter was the life of the party, Baustert said.

"She would be right in the middle of every conversation and making everybody laugh," she said. "(Brooks) enjoyed her sleep. She was my sleeper, but the minute her brothers (now 11 and 9) would go in her room and wake her up, she wanted to be right there with them. 

"She wanted to see their faces when they opened gifts. She would be baking with the