I don't want to put a damper on Christmas, however my mother died 16 years ago and my father died in Jaunary this year, so it's the first Christmas myself and my sister here in Scotland and my two brothers and two sisters in Australia will be having Christmas without any of our parents.

I stayed with my dad for 41 years, and my mother for 24 years. these were the ages I was when they died, both holidays in Australia. So you can imgine what I'm feeling right now.

I'll be going up to Glasgow to visit my neice and her in laws, however I don't think it will be the same anymore.

Without my dad or mum there I don't think I could really be merry or happy but I'll put a smile on my face anyway.

Tom