Steve Litchfield

I realise that this is a cliche, but I have to rant just a little. I completely understand the point of a holiday. The derivation of the word is from 'holy day', i.e. a day when you don't work and relax instead. At which point I also understand that staying home and not going into work (for example) is also a nice 'holiday'. As is, presumably, if you have no responsibilities and unlimited budget, where you could travel around and enjoying yourself enormously. But.  In between these two stress-free extremes is what most of us understand as a holiday, and it's a hundred times more stressful . There are three factors and I rant and rail at each one when someone starts enquiring after your holiday plans, past or future, and coos "Well, that's nice for you". No, it's usually (mainly) not nice. And I'll explain why. 1. Arrangements For starters, there are 'arrangements' to be made. Nothing to do with getting to your holiday or what to do ...

A.k.a. Things for you and your family to do that don't cost a lot of money!  A new idea for a mini-site, over at my 3-Lib server. I was fed up with the way weekends and school holidays were just turning into huge money-drains - hence the suggestions. I estimate that it costs roughly £1000 to get one child through the summer holidays in the UK, living by the world's 'rules'. Add 50% for two kids, double that for 3 children. I aim to halve those numbers (at least). What do you think of the ideas and do you have any other suggestions?

That's what the school holidays sometimes seem like. Yes, I love spending time with my daughter, but trying to think up new ideas to fill up six and half weeks of non-stop leisure time with her, without spending too much money and without letting her watch TV all the time, is always a bit stressful! We cope, of course, but do sometimes regret not living near any relatives or playmate cousins who could help out time and interest-wise. Hey ho, here's to September!

Time for another rant. Now, I can understand the point of greetings cards - originally, at least. Those nearest and dearest who were far away, all could be cheered up with a birthday, Christmas or Get well card etc, posted from afar. But what on earth is the point in spending a fortune on glossy cards to all the people who live with you or that you see each day/week? These people can surely be greeted far better in person... And add in Mother's Day, Father's Day and a dozen more 'specialist' occasions and you have an industry perpetuating itself by feeding on people's fears of being seen to be rude for NOT sending a card on occasion X etc. If you want to greet someone on a special day, go give them a hug and spend some time with them - they'll appreciate it far more than a glittery piece of cardboard...