Louise O’Neill: The empty seat at the table becomes more apparent when everything else remains the same

I estimate that this is the fourth Christmas column I’ve written for the Irish Examiner, and while I haven’t looked back at the others, I have a sneaking suspicion there are certain similarities between them all.

I can’t help the repeated rhapsodising — I really do love this time of year. I like the short evenings, the dark drawing close around your body.