One reader on how they cope with the festive season, and another on hope for future generations
Re Owen Jones’s article (Can’t choose your family at Christmas? Those rejected by their loved ones would disagree, 22 December), I am a 62-year-old gay man and spend every Christmas alone; I have done so since I left home at 17. It’s just easier. I’m still in touch with family, but I can’t be myself with them. I am an active member of a gay outdoor club, and go mountain climbing, wild camping, canoeing, etc. We have our annual Christmas event in early December. This is family for me now and I look forward to our new year event, which is usually in the Highlands, as it helps me get through.
The buildup to Christmas can still be hard, looking in on other people’s happiness. I know it’s not like that for everyone, but it’s the heart that talks at this time of the year, not the head.
