I think if it was me, I'd just start obliquely and see how that went, buildng up to more directness depending on the responses and how happy I felt with them. I think there are three possibilities for what he might say
1. I just want to be friends, nothing more (whatever the reason) 2. I don't know what I want; I'm confused, need to fix me 3. I made a big mistake, let me come home.
Given his behaviour and the way he responded to you sounding disappointed on the phone, I'd imagine that number 2 is the most likely, unless he gets scared in which case he might plump for number 1.
What will you do if he goes for either number 1 or 2? (I'm not asking about number 3 as I think that's the easiest one to plan for for you)
One thing that struck me is your comment about being resigned to getting on with things alone but hoping for reconciliation after Christmas. If you plan to do that anyway, what difference does it make what BF says when you ask him how he feels? Just a question that came to mind!
