Xmas looms. No, not the time to start knitting that sweater you're going to give to your nephew. That time of year where, whatever your beliefs, you're told that you must be happy!!!

XMAS!!! Such a painful word for some to hear...

Xmas can be Very Stressful. But, Why? The cost; what to buy; who to give it to; where to buy it; when to buy it in your impossibly busy schedule; how much is too much or too little; whose turn is it to entertain this year?; how can we invite you-know-who after they did you-know-what?; etc.
The list is likely to fill more than this space allows for.

But, that just applies to 'normal' families doesn't it? 'Normal' - a loving couple living in harmony, with 2.2 kids, 2 cars, 1 home, 2 jobs, 1 dog, 1000 fleas and savings.

What's it like if you don't fall into that category? A Single parent, no savings, debts maybe. A Single person, alone, no accessible family, friends all busy with theirs, spending Xmas ALONE. What stresses come to bear in these situations? What help, wise counsel or solutions are there to alleviate the BURDEN of Xmas? Do communities come together to help each other?

Xmas can be such a selfish time - how ironic that its very history is based on unselfish sacrifice and love of others.

We'd like to hear your views please - suggestions to aid others, ways to cope ourselves, ideas for a truly Happy Xmas for all.

Gulp! There - I said it for the first time this year. Happy Xmas!