I used to spend New Year in Scotland visiting my husband’s family. I don’t drink much, so I was usually the designated driver, going from house to house with a car full of first- footing men. It was really boring being the only sober one at each house, listening to the same stories and the same songs over and over! When my marriage ended I would always go out, usually to friends who threw a great party. Then their marriage ended and I went to other parties, with less enthusiasm. One New Year I had a cold, persuaded myself I was too ill to go out, and spent the evening watching “Cinema Paradiso” with a nice glass or two of wine. It was lovely. Ever since then I have spent New Years Eve on my own with a good meal, a film and a nice bottle of wine.