How many people are you buying Christmas presents for this year?

[llmart]

49. So sorry about the relationship with your one son.

I've spoken of this with you before. I, too, left a long term marriage, but fortunately for me my daughter and my son didn't blame me for one second for leaving. That first year that I left Christmas was pretty awful for me and still after eight years the holidays are fraught with various emotions. I keep my holidays pretty simple and like you, I usually attend a concert with a friend or treat myself to something nice. I think it is so caring of you to give money to someone who needs it. As I posted above, my grown children are very comfortable and I make a donation in their names to the Humane Society. Ironically, both of them make a donation also. Last year my son gave me a gift of $100 to any charity of my choice. I'm so happy that they learned the lessons I taught them of giving to charity. They've done it ever since they graduated from college.

Each year will get a little better for you.