When I was 17 my mother died on Dec 8th. The family grieved, and rallied together at Christmas, which has been an especially poignant time for us all ever since. We gather together every Christmas Eve and Christmas morning and open our gifts together, all 15 of us by this point. Last year we started the traditon of eating at a Chinese buffet. This takes the strain out of cooking on Christmas Eve, and a potluck brunch is served at my father's house after the gifts have been opened.
Then we part company and head for the in-laws, for those of us who still have them in Canada.
When I first got married, my mother-in-law lobbied, rather strongly and for a few years, for us to alternate our Christmas mornings, spending every other one with them. It didn't seem to sink in that in insisting that we be there in the morning, she was denying us the right to see my brother and sisters,and nieces and nephews, because at the time none of them was at dad's on Christmas afternoon. I often wondered if she thought I was lying (because she is certainly not above lying herself), or if she just didn't care.
That worked itself out years ago, with certain other concessions being made, one of which involved my kids getting 2 Santa gifts, one at each house, because that was part of what she resented missing.
Now I think she actually appreciates the lie-in, and she has us every year for Christmas dinner.
Now I think she might even realize how lucky she has it with us, because her other son's wife won't give up any of her family Christmas, and they arrive on the 23rd, and leave on Christmas Eve, in time to get home for her family's celebrations to begin, a 2 hour drive away.
I love Christmas, but understand that it is not a good time for everyone.
I understand waht you say about the need for opposites, Lothruin, and know that you are right. But one can dream for a little while, and do as John Lennon instructed and 'Imagine'.
Your wish for your daughter is a good one, and I will borrow it from you for my two (although I hope my son grows up to be the kind of man he can be proud of, not woman - though I suppose if he feels the need for a sex change at some point, then I will adapt to that too!).

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If you could do anything, change anything or create anything, what would it be?

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1. I would wish that my mother have a nice, relaxing, unstressful Christmas. My father died when I was 8 years old just days before Christmas and my mother has felt that ever since then, she has had to make up for that by going overboard with decorations, gifts, etc. Years later, her father died on Christmas day which now makes it extra hard for her during this time of year. She tries so hard on Christmas Day that if one little thing goes wrong, her day crashes down all around her. I would change it so that she knows she doesn't have to try so hard. Just telling her that all these years hasn't convinced her.

2. I would change it so that I could have had children and have at least two, 1 boy and 1 girl.

3. I would wish that pain and embarassment to children would never have to occur. That there was no such thing as bullies, name-calling, and hurt feelings.

4. I would wish for some kind of artistic talent for myself. I have always wanted to sing well or paint a beautiful picture.

But, since I can't change those things, I would just like to wish for everyone to have wonderful day.

For the sake of Britain's road users I'd remove all the humps, narrowings and road charges that make an already medieval system even slower or more expensive for nothing.

Not to live alone any more.

For all companies and governments withholding cures and developments in science to protect profits to release them to the public. It would go a fair way to Roos' wish for a healing touch, and it's far from a conspiracy theory, believe me.

For everyone on any forums around to make up on their earlier disagreements. Life's too short.

I wish I could be as nice as ClaraSue.

**blush** Thanks, MikeyD6. You made my day.

ing, that's what my mom finally admitted to me, too, that she hated Christmas now. I wish I could change it for her. Thanks for your kind words, also.

My pleasure, CS, and I do hope your mum (and you!) can relax a bit this Christmas.