gracemum that is tough, so many all at once. Can you focus on the other ones with good news? I know its hard but if you can it will help. 
Robert Kenyon, Reform's candidate for Makerfield. Would you let him in your house?
What are you avoiding doing in this heat?
What are you reading at the moment?

Much sympathy. No wonder you feel nervous about opening the Christmas mail. What a lot of sad news. So far, the ones I have received have had mainly good news - everyone in one piece, although several new joints.