Please don't take that term to be meant as hurtful; you should know that you're always welcome in my home and the same for Mum and Dad. If I could have you over for Xmas in my home of Montreal, you (should) know that I would.

So being cut off from my actual family (Mum and Dad in Cuba/Quebec, you in Ireland), I have a second family with those to whom I am close in Montreal.

So merry Xmas to you and your friends in Galway and Happy New Year!