Masonsmum, that is such a lovely thoughtful idea :) :) I love christmas, love peeing my kids so happy and excited :). The only thing that annoys me each year apart from the expense, is the fact that it always seems rushed, trying to see all mine and my husbands family, i wish that one day we could get the whole family all together to enjoy it better, instead of rush rush rush! :)

> I love christmas, love peeing my kids so happy and excited

:-D :-D :-D

I know all families have their own traditions.............. ;-)

Masonsmum............what you are doing really is perfect. The spirit of Christmas! :)

We always had an old lady came to us for Christmas dinner as a child I admit I resented having to be be polite and restrained (but I was and did behave).
It didn't occur to me as a child that this old lady may have been lonely as she had no body else.

The tradition for us has since been all here with me and my family, sisters, parents, partners. I remember only one Christmas with just me husband and 2 children, it was a very strange day lacking the sense of occasion.
We have always gone to Mass as well as it is important to think of why we celebrate.

Karen :)

I dread Christmas in years to come. We don't have children and of course, eventually either my husband or I will be alone. There is no guarantee that my niece or nephew will invite us/him/me so I can see some lonely times ahead.

Horrible thought isn't it ? :-(   

So, if a little old lady knocks on your door on Christmas day in a few years time it might be me :-)

lunamoona, lol what a typing error to make! :) we dont actually love peeing my kids! Think i ment to say seeing my kids! I cant stop laughmg now! Thats what you get trying to type using me mobile phone! :) :)

I guess when you're blessed with having family to share these occassions with, you forget there are those who are less fortunate.  I'm sure you're neices and nephews wouldn't leave you on your own on Christmas day.

Would be nice to think so but who knows ?.
Mind you, when they are cheeky to me I always say "Remember, beneficiaries' !!!.

> when they are cheeky to me I always say "Remember, beneficiaries' !!!.

I had an aunt like that :) :) :) Made our lives a misery - she lived until 101 :) Fortunately my parents had brought us up to not expect a penny from anyone :) :) :)

Daisy

>> when they are cheeky to me I always say "Remember, beneficiaries' !!!..<<

Hmmm....when I say this to our offspring, they remind me that they might be the ones choosing our retirement home

(my sister's dil says she has already booked a 1-room package for her mum & mum-in-law!) :d

I have the problem with Christmas presents for grandchildren in that I cannot indulge them in the way that I should like to - simply because of costs of delivery .....Santa doesn't seem to have an agreement about Granny's presents .....:(

So we have to resort to sending money for specific gifts & Mum & Dad wrapping them - or using Amazon (and getting Amazon to wrap them!)

This year I think postage is going to be quite light, as it would appear that Nintendo DS games appear high on everybody's wish lists .........

Wish there were more people in the world like you Masonsmum. There are a lot of very sad people around simply because they are lonely. Christmas is probably the worst time for people to suffer loneliness and by doing what you are doing it will truly bring joy to them. Good on you!!! :-)

> 40 years later and I now have my 'Barney doggie',

which is better than any Christmas present!  :-)

> 11 of my regualr customers who would usually spend Christmas completely alone.

That is such a lovely idea.  Well done you.

Not having any family, once I leave work on Christmas Eve, I don't see a single person until I go back to work.  So I can see how wonderful it will be for your regulars.  Have a super, super Christmas.  :-)

Do you want to come too? :) The more the merrier I say!