of my bargains! I still find men difficult -- especially young men! I have been thinking about going down the road of a cheque -- but a cheque for 5 looks quite mean, whereas an actual gift can look better. But they should understand that we're not exactly rolling in cash, so maybe it's OK. What do you think? I would buy French beer, but this year I'm limited because I'm posting gifts to my family. I've already bought some gifts that aren't practical for posting, (fragile, rather than heavy) so I need to think carefully about those as yet unbought. Mr D and I are not buying for each other -- we each had an expensive Kindle for our birthdays -- but MrD does want to buy a new TV box while we're in the UK, so that is our present! I think The Mothers will give us money too, so that will go towards the Box. So, I'm planning what I will do to celebrate Christmas withfamily. We'll take some goodies with us -- some homemade (nut wine, grapefruit wine, Christmas cookies), and some bought (French cheese, beer and wine) -- to share. We'll listen to the great Christmas music CD that Mr D made last year on the drive across France -- with music by Kate Rusby, Jethro Tull, Kate Bush, Thea Gilmore and other lovely, lovely songs. I will put up a few decorations at home (but not many. The Cats will get over-excited if I