From the blog of a 22 year old girl in Adelaide (posted last night). Her folks separated several years ago (with acrimony). Apologies for the rawness of the language.

"i dont like christmas either. dredges up some really painful memories i'd really rather forget. i was thinking the other day that i actually look forward to the day when i have my own family so i can start the christmas tradition from scratch - no hiding of black eyes, no crying, no having no place to go and having to spend it with a workmate - just happy times. i really hope i dont f*** this time of year up for my kids the way it has been f****d up for me."

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Note from Rowland: if you were put off by the language, it might be *you* that has a(nother) problem!