It always sucks when your plans are messed up.
I am not a big fan of the Xmas frenzy, but afterall the most important thing is to be with your family, laugh eat drink laugh share experiences. It is not the end of the world as you parents are practical people and would love to see you any day, regardless of what date it is. Also keeping practicality in mind - you were home a few months ago :)

While i was flying back from my vacation on the Canary islands where now it is 27C via London, having a layover of more than 20hours strangely enough I thought of you. I went out shopping, drinking in the city and time flew by fast, but I thought - What about Karolinka's trip to the US? I hope she doesn't fly via Germany or London.

I guess the holiday spirit is not lost on me, I hope next booking turns out OK and you get to see your family. You can even hug them for me.

Lovingly,
Evil Grinch - Andrey