Depending on family circumstances, Christmas can be a wonderful time, or a difficult and maybe lonely one. I think we all have our share of each kind, over the years. To be honest, I haven't enjoyed or looked forward to the past few Christmases: just me, my newly widowed mum, and my teenage daughter, all thrown together for so many days and each, in our own way, wishing for things to be different but knowing they can't be, and trying to make the most of it. Last year I felt, quite literally, like a Christmas cracker being pulled in two directions, trying to please everyone and pleasing no-one. But everything has its season, all things pass, and this year, for the first time in a long time, I am looking forward to the Christmas holiday. My mum has come to terms with things much more, my daughter's outlook on life is one year more grown up, and this will be my first Christmas with the new man in my life ! There is likely to be lots more laughter in our house this year. Last year, in the thick of a pretty grim time, I kept telling myself "It won't always be like this. All things will pass" - they do, and they have. For everyone not looking forward to their particular Christmas circumstances: please tell yourself this. It is true.

- jeanie