You're absolutely right, Alf. Even for those of us who have had relatively few complications, this sudden change in our way of living can result in moodiness and depression, and the holidays amplify the situation. The feeling can be "Hey, it's Christmas, I should be happy, but I'm not." For me, Christmas has always had an undertone of melancholy anyway, which is hard to explain.
I would encourage anyone, however, who is at home alone and who hasn't received the expected and customary phone calls, to put aside their pride, pick up the phone themselves, and make the call. Don't always wait to be called.
Our son and daughter are wonderful and we enjoy a great relationship with both of them and their families. But, they're in their 30's with families of their own, and they get caught up in activities with their kids and their friends and sometimes don't call just when we think they should. I have no problem with calling them and saying, "Hey, your Mom and I have been anxious to talk to you guys and share the news of your holiday activities." And when you call them, be sure that it's not all about yourself and your PCa. Show them you're interested in what they're up to and love to hear about it.
A person can get sucked into depression like a swimmer in a whirlpool. Don't let it happen. Take action. Get out of the house. Call somebody. Talk to a counselor, a minister, a rabbi, a priest. Post a message here on HW. Believe it or not, people do care. We may have never met you, but we know exactly what you're talking about, and we care.