Cheers for the responses so far. I'm not anti-Christmas, I'm anti-hype. The commerce mill is in full steam here, and the shops are playing Chrimbo music full blast to remind everyone they ain't spending enough money etc etc. Really pisses me off. I think if I was the religious sort (which I am not), I would be a proper pain in the arse in December - or more than usual... As I have no family hereabouts (the only family I have left live in Spain and I'll see them the week before), I think I'll take Awooga & Phil's advice. A week of relaxing with my wife and then Christmas day in the Peak District, which is only an hours' drive from here. Christmas picnic instead of dinner. I like the idea of that...