Kate and Gerry McCann will not be giving each other presents on Christmas Day.
They have agreed it would be inappropriate to celebrate between themselves when they spend the day at Kate's parents in Liverpool.
They have told friends they cannot face Christmas at home in Rothley, Leicestershire, although they have bought their two-year-old twins Sean and Amelie gifts and have decorated a tree in yellow tinsel, the colour of a safe homecoming.
Gerry's sister Philomena said: "Nobody has been talking about Christmas. We just want it to pass. Even mentioning the word feels terrible.I'm sure Kate and Gerry will do something special for the twins but we have agreed that none of the adults in the family are buying Christmas presents for each other."
Kate's father Brian Healy, 67, added: "Kate wishes it wasn't Christmas."
Gifts have been coming to the family home from strangers all week. Cardiologist Gerry received a huge box of children's toys on Friday while at work at Glenfield hospital in Leicester.
Some will be kept for Madeleine's return, while others will be sent to an orphanage in Belarus. (Daily Mail)
