Christmas it’s a great time for taking stock for me.  I know lots of people make New Year’s resolutions but I tend to start earlier.  We went to a Winter Solstice celebration on Sunday, where we wrote on a leaf what we wanted to leave behind in 2025 or what we wanted to achieve in 2026.  We then threw the leaf into the fire.  Not a New Year’s resolution as such but putting out there what we’re hoping for in 2026.

I relished the opportunity to think about what I wanted from next year.  As this year has been a mixed affair.  Some really bad things happened to people I know, there was loss and I was made redundant.  However, there have also been some really good times too.  Times away in our campervan have been great, we’ve been to some fab gigs and I can’t tell you how much I loved Walking the West Highland Way.  One of the best “holidays” I have ever been on. 

I know exactly what I love and what makes me happy and spending a fortune on presents and eating and drinking myself into oblivion doesn’t.  We decided as a family to just buy very small presents for each other, a while ago.  It’s been revolutionary.  We’re not getting stressed every year or getting into debt but we still get something to open on Christmas Day. 

I love a night out/party but I really do not like spending the next day feeling rubbish.  I now know what and how much I can drink on a night out, so I feel ok the next day and able to get up for parkrun etc.  I also hate anything to be wasted, so as the supermarkets are only shut for one day, we won’t be buying loads of food that might not get eaten.  It’s enlightening when you switch off the noise and do Christmas your way.

I am actually working over Christmas – cat sitting.  But it doesn’t really feel like work, I get to run/cycle out to my destination to care for a cat.  So basically, I get to do what I love but I still get to enjoy Christmas Day parkrun, Christmas Dinner, watch Christmas TV and go out for walks as well.

Anyway, I just wanted to wish you a wonderful Christmas.  However, you’re doing it.  It can be an exciting time, but I know it can also be an anxious time for some people, So I hope Christmas is as stress free and enjoyable as possible.  Here’s to a healthy and wonderful 2026.  However, you’re doing that too. 

If you’re planning trips away in 2026, I would love to look after your cats/small pets.  You can find out more here.