NEXT YEAR

'Tonight I'm going to spy on Santa', she texted me this evening. I was glad to hear from my oldest but sad not to have the children spend Christmas with me. I told her good luck and let her know that Santa was not coming to my place this year.

'I have no tree either' I let her know so that she and her siblings are aware of this before they come to see me on Wednesday. I did not want them to be disappointed as I am but such is the case this year. 'Next year' I promised her.

'At least you have us' she tried to make me feel better but I told her it's not Christmas without them. 'Next year with Mario' she continued. At that point I told her that next year all five of us will have a real Christmas. Celebrating together as we should be doing this year. Next year will be a better year.