BBC News | UK | Introducing the Christmas Stress-o-meter!

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BBC News Online: UK

Tuesday, 19 December, 2000, 12:26 GMT 13:26 UK

Introducing the Christmas Stress-o-meter!

As Monty Python put it in Life of Brian:
When you're chewing on life's gristle,
Don't grumble, give a whistle!

There's plenty to grumble about at the moment, and - let's face it - things are going to get worse before the week is out.

As Tony Blair himself confessed, it is "hell" out there on the railways. And if you haven't booked a ticket, the prospect is even worse.

And don't think it's going to be easy on the roads either. Experts warn of gridlock.

Are you getting wound up because you think you've been snubbed by your nearest and dearest, who haven't sent you a Christmas card? Well you might be right. OR it could be down to a spate of strikes in postal sorting offices.

And what about the weather? Forecasts are gloomy and there are still 26 flood warnings.

Which is to say nothing of the impending stress of having to deal with awkward family members over the next week.

Or Christmas shopping.

BUT NOW, thanks to BBC News Online, you can let the stress out! Tell us your tales of rail and rain, mail and pain.

The Stress-o-meter will be updated during the week to take account of the rising temperature and to help everyone deal with it. Come back and check how we all are doing.

Related to this story:
'Tis the season to be grumpy (05 Dec 00 | UK) Stressed out in Sweden (14 Dec 00 | Europe)

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