This year Christmas is sponsored by ...

... the Samaritans.

Truth to be told, I'm not so sure if I'm sponsoring them or they are sponsoring me - it's a pretty close call at the minute!

I like to send charity cards at Christmas, usually supporting the cancer charities, but this year (bearing in mind my recent mental health history) I thought I would shift allegiance to another very deserving cause. It helps that I used to be a volunteer with this charity and am very familiar with the excellent work they do and service they provide 24/7, 365.

However, I am annoyed. For a charity that works so hard to help people who feel under pressure I think they do a great dis-service to the paying customer by actually handing over their Christmas cards when you give them your money. I would consider it much more in keeping with their ethos to simply take your money and say 'sod the cards, it's much too stressful!'.

Had they adopted this attitude, I wouldn't have spent the last few nights writing cards and my entire morning off printing labels (which for some reason would only print one individual label at a time), sticking envelopes and getting paper cuts on the tongue. I wouldn't be following the ridiculous practice of writing, printing, sticking, licking, stamping and posting a card to the people who live ... NEXT DOOR.

Pluto, I am coming round to your way of thinking.

So, for the many of you who won't be getting a card from me this year, I have made a referral, sorry - donation to the Samaritans on your behalf. And I hope you all have a Happy, Healthy, Sane and STRESSFREE Christmas!