Leah50 - I am sorry to hear about the death of your husband - it is I know a huge adjustment.
I had started the process of selling my property to move house before my OH died - I needed to downsize to pay his nursing home fees. At the time we were living in a bungalow in a village near to the one we had happily lived in for about 30 years. We moved to the bungalow for practical reasons r4lating to health problems. But my heart was in the village we left and when it became necessary to sell the bungalow to raise cash, I looked for a property in the original village where all my friends are.
IN fact, because of a fair bit of chaos in buying/selling during covid I did not move back till after my OH had died.
The difference between you and I is that my move took me nearer friends and to a place I knew well; and it has proved to be the right decision - I am surrounded by kind friends who prop me up when the going gets tough.
It sounds as though you have friends where you are now, which is a bonus, but, if I read you right, you would be nearer family in town. My feeling is that you need to be somewhere where you an lead your own life without feeling dependent on your family, but just enjoy having them nearby.
Do you think you could build an independent life in the town? Are there things you could join and enjoy?
It does sound as if your present old house is a bit of a burden. I moved to a new-build - I have never had one before - and it is a real blessing: easy to heat, has all mod cons, well sound-insulated etc. Having lived in old cottages during my lifetime, at this stage the new-build is a real blessing.
One thing to take into account is the stress of buying/selling and the terrible inefficiency of solicitors. To be hnest it was a bit of a nightmare! But I can now look back on it, having settled happily in my new home.
I wish you luck with your decision; and I hope that you will be able to spend a peaceful Christmas with your family around you.