[Mel Asher]

I have a dispersed family ( deaths, emigration, divorce ) and it has always been my dream to have all the grandchildren sleeping under a family Christmas Tree, while the adults giggle alcoholically wrapping up presents to stuff down the children's beds ( variation on the Christmas stocking ).

I cringe at the over schmaltzification of modern Christmas stories. I think Christmas stories for children should be simple and filled with discovered happiness even for the poorest of people.

I love Christmas Presents that people have made with care overthe preceding months.

I loathe expensive Christmas Presents bought either to impress me or the giver.

I love Traditional Christmas Carols in any language.

I love celebrating Christmas with my Muslim, Hindu and Jewish friends who share mine with me in the same spirit that I share their festivals.

And yes, I am from a Gnostic Christian background, if you want to label me, and the more multinational friends I make, the more Agnostic I become.

I sigh at the frenzied Commercialism appearing even before the leaves begin to fall in the woods near me, but I don't let it bother me, as I have a roof over my head and food on the table for anyone who drops by.

Yes. On the balance I think we would lose a lot if Christmas suddenly disappeared.

:D