As we approach the Christmas holidays, the focus for many families throughout Northern Ireland will be on Christmas presents, Santa Claus, Christmas trees, Christmas decorations, family get-togethers and Christmas carols.

Out for a walk with the Dog this morning to work up a Christmas appetite. Sky was really moody, but the air clean and fresh. Merry Christmas to everyone Ian & MrsPJ

This Christmas, I will finish work on December 23 and return on January 5. Being self-employed, I do not have holiday pay, so I will glad to return back to work to start earning again. Members of Parliament, however, are in a more enviable position. They will take a break from December 18 and not return to work until January 12. As millions of Britons face an unsure future, this does not help disp...

Although I’m looking forward to Christmas more this year than in the past, I’m starting to remember just why it is that I detest the run-up to Christmas. BBC Breakfast had carol singers on this morning.  Carol singers.  A month before Christmas.  But it gets better.  Someone at work bought a Christmas chocolate log the other

Yes, the 25th December, I’m not that stupid. But, the Christmas ‘festivities’ always run longer than just that one day. Christmas parties, sending and receiving cards - they always happen well in advance. I’m not really feeling Christmassy yet. Probably to do with the 2 and a bit weeks left at work - in previous years,

When asked what his favourite Christmas present would be, Enrique Iglesias replied: “It’s being able to work over Christmas. If I’m working during Christmas I know things are going well for me.”

I have been having some computer problems of late. On Christmas Day of all days, I was deleting programs off the hard drive and defragmenting. That didn't seem to work. Yesterday I tried, and it didn't work either. Today I think I have got somewhere and the computer seems to be working at a speed appropriate to 2008. I am also using the dongle Becky bought me for Christmas to get the int...

Why is the taking of Christmas from Christmas not a big deal? An annual argument. I was reading an article on the holiday's today and the point was made that removing the word Christmas from Christmas is really not that big a deal. That Happy Holidays should suffice because it removes any semblance of religion from the equation. That it presents a much safer approach to the time of year. I do...

Damn that left wing media Gah! They've gorn and done it again. Another year, another made up nonsense story about axing Christmas when it hasn't been axed hits the papers. This year's wheeze involves a Council having a winter festival some time around Christmas that isn't called Christmas and doesn't actually replace Christmas - and a paper screaming that Christmas has been axed. The villian

CHRISTMAS is a time to eat drink and be merry, but it can also be a stressful time for people who are trying to lose weight. All the good work for months beforehand can be lost as we are tempted with daily offers of mince pies, chocolate and alcohol.