Hi @eth - it has been a long time - but here we are today

It could be an interesting Christmas - I read this AND MY MOTHER - mothers can be difficult - I don't have to worry about my parents now - and I have a toxic sister I would really rather not see - and so I don't know what my daughter will plan as she has just had a hysterectomy and whether I see my sil's kids and their kids will remain to be see

I agree with your statement - being alone but not lonely - except I do want to see my daughter on Christmas Day - it's all I insist upon - 

I do remember when Christmas Dinner at my parents' place was a big deal and when the oldest grandchildren were still to young to understand the jokes could get pretty spicy and there was a lot of laughter - and then - when we were older the kids grew up and they could get pretty spicy and I miss that but consider that "That which having been must always be" and enjoy my memories I guess

But whatever happens I am sure there will be free entertainment in the city if I choose to go but how much easier to find people on-line - 

I will have to find your Rave On Your Mother Eth - mine used to pick at every things about me she could - even her compliments had a barb in them - I guess we can't choose our family - luckily we can usually find someone in our family we can love - I have my daughter and grand-daughter and feel blessed

Dec