Well, here we all are, my favourite bit of the festive season – the comfy lull between Christmas and the new year.

The turkey sandwich season’s just about over, the extra guests are doing the decent thing and going home, the gifts have been exclaimed over and forgotten, and the arguments are becoming a memory.

Lovely, time to have a sit down and reflect.

For me, this Christmas couldn’t fail to be perfect because, against all odds, I spent it at home. There was quite a large portion of the year when it seemed likely I’d spent the yule in hospital, and while hospital staff do their level best to make it a happy time for patients, let’s face it, it’s hardly ideal. So while we’re at it, merry Christmas to all those who didn’t get home in time, I’m thinking of you.

And if I’m starting on the good wishes, and after the year I’ve had I think I’d better, then this could take a while.

In many ways, as for so many others, this year has not been a good one for me. But where there’s bad, there’s usually good and the highlights have, without exception, been provided by other people.

I’ve met some amazing people, found myself in some bizarre situations, and if I’d had a Christmas stocking filled up with all the good deeds that have been done for me this year, Santa would have had to hire an additional sleigh to deliver it.

So a big thank you to everyone who has helped me out this year, and so many have . . . you all know who you are. Without you this would just have been my worst year ever. Instead, it was just a year with high points and low points – and any year ending with me tucked up in my own warm home, with family, friends and pets around me, can’t be all that bad.

I really hope the same can be said for all of you out there. There’s usually some gold amongst the mud somewhere, if you look hard enough. Thanks for taking an interest in my whims and fancies throughout the year, I only hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoy writing them!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to one and all.