AS I wave a tearful goodbye to the last of the Christmas visitors and begin the tidying up of the festive rooms, and as the lopsided Christmas tree, bereft of its chocolate novelties and parcels that once held such hope and promise, I ask myself why? More worryingly, why will I do it all again next year?

Pamela Egan,

North Lane, Malton Road, York.

Updated: 10:35 Thursday, January 03, 2002