Every Christmas I go to my nephew’s house. I’m a divorced man of 68, and have no children and I think he feels it’s his duty to give me a family Christmas.

So, yet again, I’m invited. But, you know what? I don’t really want the hassle! Weird as this may seem, I’d like to do Christmas on my own, cooking what I like, and eating and drinking what I like, and watching the television programmes I want to watch. Is it rude of me to refuse the invitation?

Barbara says: Not at all! If you’ll have fun doing your own thing, then do it! Fun is what Christmas should be about, even if it’s just letting it all hang out. Tell your nephew you’ve invited someone round for Christmas. In a way you have, you’ve invited yourself. Brilliant idea!