At home with just my sister, who in the past year has declared herself a recluse and will only spend time in the presence of others when it doesn't interfere with her self-described introversion. The past few days have been different so I was (but I guess shouldn't have been) caught by surprise today. She is probably up in her room meditating, and will snap at me if I ask her to come downstairs. I am not sure how jovial she'll be when she finally deigns to do so. Parents are abroad and the uncle/aunt/cousins with whom I usually spend xmas are holidaying. If I'd known I'd be spending Christmas effectively alone I might have asked friends if I could go stay with them. Transport links are down where I am so I'm here. Christmas is just a date, and I'll see people in a couple of days, but this morning is a sad reminder of how my friendship with my sister is not what it once was. You guys, my West Wing DVDs, and the sounds of my neighbours through the wall are my family right now.

I needed this opportunity to vent, but I am still extremely fortunate. I just ate a filling breakfast, I have a physically warm house, I am safe, and people are just a What'sApp or phone call away.