Having survived the madness of Christmas, managing to keep my four kids content with all their demands of gifts, sweets and 20-odd-a-week trips to the supermarket, I am exhausted and wondering when would be the best time to start again for Christmas 2003.

Is it a good idea to buy the next lot of cards and decorations while they are in the January sales?

I propose they ban the sale of left-over Christmas bits until at least October so we can put the expensive season out of our minds until closer to time, maybe with a generous offer of some therapy or counselling to help with a quick recovery.

Thank goodness nativity plays keep the true meaning of Christmas alive.

-Jennifer Rabbitts, Bentswood Crescent, Haywards Heath