I’m not a huge fan of Christmas. It has nothing to do with the religious aspect, we’ve just never really ‘done’ it. Apparently when I was a young child, I used to leave a mince pie and sherry out for Santa and a carrot for Rudolph. But I don’t remember that.

My parents separated when I was 7 years old. From then on, Christmas was either spent with Mother, just the two of us as the extended family were busy enjoying the festivities in their immediate units, or with Father and eight chauvinistic male relatives. They’d watch wrestling or Star Wars whilst I would sit on the sofa, bored for two solid days.

No Christmases from my past stand out in memory for being wonderful. Last year, I relied heavily on Twitter for company. I didn’t have any immediate family around me and spent it with two pensioners. They’re very lovely people but not my family. Twitter kept me entertained and kept me company. In fact, Twitter may have kept me sane. Virtual friends. The Ashes fourth test, in Melbourne, started on Boxing Day so a few of us stayed up through the night tweeting and chatting. That’s when I was happiest last Christmas. Sad, eh?

This Christmas was supposed to be different but circumstance has dictated it’s not. I was excited about the festive period up until around two weeks ago. Boxing Day was supposed to be special. Now the only thing I’m excited about is four days in a row off work. I’m not at my own flat until tomorrow evening and I can’t wait to get back, just to switch off completely and relax. To not have to be jolly and to be able to do as I please. I can’t even get too drunk as treatment dictates my alcohol intake is kept in check.

I am very grateful for the presents I have received. I got given things people thought I’d like. And I really do like the gifts. People have considered my interests and I’m appreciative they’ve taken the time to think about me. I did ask Santa for a pasta making machine but he must’ve been keeping track of my antics over the past year as I didn’t get one!

It’s a lonely time, is Christmas. I’d like to think somebody has thought of me at various points today but I’m not sure that’s true. I might be surrounded by people but I feel so alone. Silly, eh?