OK, you've done the preparation.  It's Christmas day, you're driving to the 'event'.  What can you do?    Read more

Christmas is great if you have toddlers or access to someone else's toddlers that you love! For everyone else the thought of Christmas comes with mixed emotions. Many families relish the idea of everyone getting together and catching up - for about five minutes.

Then the same old things that irritated you all your life start to bug you again - especially since family members often believe they have the right to tell you how to raise your children, run your life, what is wrong with you / and or your spouse, how foolish (or stingy) you are with money, and so on. Sibling rivalry at it's best and fuelled by alcohol - hmmm, a wonderful cocktail! Read more

A typical 'family' get together these days consists of step mothers, step fathers, step children, direct in laws, step in laws, separated but not remarried singles and parents, angry children, and confused animals! Not to mention step uncles/aunts, second marriage relatives etc. Read more

Oh no, it's Christmas again! Already. Where has this year gone?

Christmas can be a wonderful time, a lonely time, a stressful time, a happy time or a stressfully happy time.

My good friend Noel was telling me once that a tremendous number of divorces are filed on Boxing Day because so many people hang on until Christmas... for the children... hoping that things will improve. But they rarely do!

So how will things be for you this Christmas? Read more

Present shopping would have to be one of the most stressful aspects of Christmas!  There are so many to buy; we don't have enough money; we forget people; the children's toys cost a fortune, and more than anything we don't have time to do all this.  And we hate crowds!  And when do we have time to send out cards?  Other people seem to make time and that adds to our guilt! Read more