Everyone has their reasons for feeling as they do at Christmas, Sagz. I think many people have lost the Christmas spririt, as old festive traditions are dying off. Some people have to work over Christmas, which can dampen the spirit a bit. Others, like myself find it brings back difficult memories. I had to accompany my not quite 21 yr old son to the hospice on Boxing day many years ago, as he was dying of brain cancer. He never returned home. Some older people find that their children and granchildren have grown up and are no longer that interested in spending Christmas with the 'old folk'. For others, their religion prohibits them from celebrating Christmas. Some just have no interest and some don't like the comercialisation that has taken over. We are all different! I look back in fondness to the huge Christmasses we used to have when my father was still with us many years ago. But I also look forward to the far quieter Christmasses I now have with my darling ratter and my mum and our doggies, always remembering what my father used to say when times were tough ... "as long as we have us!" Merry Christmas Sagz! I hope you have a Christmas to remember! :o)