Well, I've moaned a lot about Christmas. But today I had a timely reminder that I shouldn't .

This time last year, my dad was in hospital. He had an accident, and like a lot of people his age (80), it wasn't so much the accident but the shock to his system that proved dangerous. We thought he might not see another Christmas. But he despite ill-health, he has had a new lease of life, and is loving every moment, now that Christmas has come around and he is planning treasure hunts and the like for our extended family Christmas - the one I complained about a few days ago. And I was reminded of how fortunate he - and we - are, by a neighbour who lost his elderly mum this year. For the first time in years, she will not be around to worry over, fuss over, drive him and his partner mad. He is having to settle for a genteel sherry and mince pie with a neighbour.

And later still, walking Dog once again. The other side of the coin. We bumped into another border collie. Dog doesn't mind Harry (unless he dares try to come up for 'her' biscuits as supplied by Harry's owner) so there was no trouble. But we were puzzled, because he wasn't with his usual walker - Stan - but an elderly woman. So we tentatively asked if the dog was indeed the Harry that we normally met on the cliffs. 'Yes', the lady said. 'My husband used to walk him up here three times a day, but he died at the end of November.'

And finally tonight, wallowing in self-pity because someone wasn't very nice to me (but not actually that horrid), dreading the prospect of a long drive tomorrow to a loving family, I was reminded by my mate, Jack Frost, that for many people the festive season is a difficult period - of facing violence,drunkenness and abuse, of risking and witnessing injury and worse.

So I promise that you will not hear any more moaning about Christmas from me. Stay safe everyone.