Last shopping day - Sun 19th December

Christmas closing - Mon 20th Dec - Tue 4th Jan.

Reopening - Wed 5th Jan at 10 am.

Hi all,

Its a time (normally) of celebration and anticipation, this time of year. Lights twinkling, Santas popping up all over the place, adverts jingling with sleigh bells - and I’m trying my hardest to get in the festive spirit, but it is difficult.

Difficult because of the pandemic all around us, the constant need to be on our guard and be wary whenever we leave the house. Difficult because we cannot greet our friends and family impulsively, we have to prepare with lateral flow tests and make sure we have had our jags. Difficult because times are hard; money is tight and we have to be careful what we spend. It’s fraught with underlying tension and worry, where it should be happy and joyous.

But in the midst of this carefulness is also love. We wear masks and keep our distance for love of our fellows. We try to make allowances because we know everyone is suffering. We take our tests and think twice about mixing in large gatherings, to keep everyone safe.

And we give gifts, because its that time of year.

It’s quite good, in a way, to have to think carefully about what to get folk in this weird time. I’m making a few things for family and imbuing them with love and warmth as much as I can to show how much they mean to me. I’m looking forward to taking the time to see family and friends this festive season (all tested and with as much fresh air as possible!) and being in good company.

We can still gather (carefully) and feast (greatly) and laugh (lots) and relax (phew!). We can share each other’s company and put our feet up and watch cheesy films on telly. We can go for walks in the fresh air and wrap up warm in scarves and hats. We can play board games, play fight on Fortnite, argue over the washing up :)

So here’s to small gifts, chosen or made with love, and Christmas drinks with loved ones, and enjoying the holiday.

Best wishes for the season XXX