Sending you hugs, Anya, this time of year must be such a mixture of emotions for you and yours. 
My DGS are all too young to be involved in nativities and carol singing, but two of them are old enough to be wide-eyed and giddy with excitement about Christmas
. I heard yesterday that two of them, with one or more parents, will be descending on us this pm and staying over, possibly for a few days, as work being done on their house is running behind schedule. I haven't seen them for a couple of weeks, so can't wait, but I'll be spending this morning putting up the rest of the decorations (out of reach where possible) and toddler-proofing the house. Oh, and weeing in a pot for the Clearblue research survey
The way things have been this week it could be pure alcohol.