Deep mid-winter. Only three days till the longest night. I find this time of year exciting and inspiring, the light on the bare trees, the way you can see the architecture of the branches and twigs and the shapes of the birds within. There’s always one day in the run-up to Christmas when it doesn’t really get light at all; why I wonder do I revel in that gloom? I’d hate it every day but there feels as if something very deep and secretive is taking place. And I love to put on lights, string up Christmas lights, draw the curtains and get a cosy glow going before 4 0’clock. It seems incredible, impossible at those moments with a cup of tea and a book and a pool of lamplight, that in the summer it is still broad daylight – and for hours to come – at this same time. Sending all my friends, and readers and writers everywhere warm festive wishes. May you enjoy a glint of light in the darkness, a stir of life in the stillness, a wisp of music in the stillness. Happy Christmas!