less swopping of extravagant presents...a repeat of past best presents which have been the carefully wrapped and labelled pair of pink gardening gloves from my husband and a collection of cheap musical instruments (triangle, symbols, castonets, clappers, flutes, whistles, clickers) etc for everyone to join in and make a noise and sing Xmas carols

My thoughts and very best wishes are with you, Lindel.

My dad wrote a long Christmas poem for us kids and aired it on radio some 50 years ago. I don't believe there is anything that can compare to heartfelt words from someone whom you love and who loves you back.

My two tiny grandchildren riffling through the presents.

My kids would like to see another dog under the Christmas tree. They've already got 4, 2 at mine and 2 at their dad's. They love them all dearly so figure why not add one more into the mix.

Hehe genkii, I completely get your attitude. My husband adopted a gorgeous giant breed pup, then I worried about pup's happiness when our 3 old small dogs would not play with him despite his best efforts. We got another one. Well...then our certified dog mad daughter oh-so-gradually talked us into homing yet another pup. Holy Guacamole, what on earth was I thinking! I should have worried less about the pup and more about my own sanity. :/

It is refreshing to read that most requests are based on feelings rather than material gifts. The time we spend with others is precious and is the most valuable gift of all.

Santa came early last week & delivered my Mum home to us for 5 precious weeks from the US... we had 14 long years apart so having her back is an answered prayer ... time with those we loved, lost & had miraculously return to us to heap love on once again is a great blessing.

That said - my beloved grandmother is deteriorating rapidly with frontal lobe dementia - she has good & bad days but gone are the long crazy storytelling conversations & giggles we used to share - I had a very special & unexpected 24 hours with her recently & it was like the clouds parted for a brief moment & she was her old self for flashes in time - we don’t talk like that any more as she can’t get the words out.. but her hugs & holding her hands in mine, spoke more to me than any words we could have said to each other.