Christmas can be a lonely time br whether you are young or old. br I remember growing up br how lonely it could be at times. br Others went to parties br that I never got an invitation to. br Even as I got older, br the invitations were never there. br I always went out on my own br and watched from a distance at others having fun. br Sometimes I could feel the tears welling up inside br at being on my own especially at Christmas time. br I felt for those who made their home on Cardboard Avenue br and a great respect for those who gave up their time br to man Soup Kitchens here and there. br Always as Christmas appears no matter how happy I feel, br I still remember br those lonely ones I spent on my own.