George Michael had 'best' Christmas

George Michael's Christmas was his ''best'' ever following his recovery from pneumonia.

George Michael had the "best Christmas" ever this year.

The 'Faith' singer came close to death earlier in December battling life-threatening illness pneumonia, but following his recovery he is feeling better than ever and particularly enjoyed the festive period with his loved ones.

He wrote in a series of twitter posts yesterday (26.12.11): "Best Christmas I can remember, surrounded by the people I love. "And knowing that Xmas could have been very different this year for everyone at that table...

"As it was we stuffed and laughed ourselves silly. I'm such a lucky man! I hope you all had a great one. It's not over, of course, I have a house full of sleeping guests and a bunch more friends coming over today. Hangovers strictly forbidden :) (sic)"

Writing on twitter before Christmas Day, George told how is yet to fully regain his voice after his illness but was sure the problem would be "temporary".

He said: "I'm back and I'm proud, though not very loud...... (which, I assure you, will be temporary!) MERRY XMAS TO ALL OF YOU! ISN'T LIFE GRAND !! X(sic)"

George had to cancel a number of dates in his Symphonica tour when he was struck down with pneumonia, and in a hastily called press conference outside his home last week, he admitted the severity of the illness had been played down to his fans.

He said: "I'd say it was touch and go for a few weeks. And I played it down, I didn't want to worry my fans too much and I'm really sorry that I couldn't contact them in any way before now, but I was in no state to."