I understand why because she panicks about my 6yr old sister getting ill because shes always in and out of hospital. So I can't complain about being out of the way, I just hate feeling so isolated this Xmas. It's like my whole families been doing the whole Xmas/ new years thing, but I've been working or ill other than Xmas day and boxing day. I guess I can't expect them to understand though if I don't tell them when I'm down. I without meaning to, end up expecting them to mind read. Thanks for your replies. Jess x