I was reading an article earlier this week which suggested that JOMO (joy of missing out) is the new FOMO (fear of missing out), the theory being that we are now all taking a break from social activities, particularly social media and rather than worrying about missing the ‘latest thing’, we ought to hunker down at home and just enjoy being cosy. Who can argue with that? It’s winter, it’s dark at 4pm and our homes are lovely and toasty-warm with any luck. Hibernating till April sounds great. And yet, and yet. I’ve been following the Harry & Meghan affair just like you and this is not remotely about being on anyone’s team but looking at the amount of vitriol being directed at the couple, I just wonder how much of that stuff the writers of such vicious comments would say to their faces as opposed to anonymously abusing them, egged on by the media. We are all becoming so disconnected from one another, head down staring at our phones, buds in, shutting out the world and other people. Being a contrarian, I believe that if anything we should all socialise a lot more and spend less time alone. Then we might realise that it’s actually OK for others to disagree with us without all protagonists descending to playground level.

The year is nearly over; it’s a privilege to be here to tell the tale. After what has been a pretty frantic 12 months, being able to take a breath having done all, and when unable to do much, just to stand, is a wonderful feeling. I have made so much progress this year that I think I’ve got whiplash. I think of 2019 as the year of rainbows. I can’t believe that I had so much going on that I was unable to get my entry in for the Beauty Bible 2020 Awards. However, I’m not really sweating that; these things will fall into place when the time is right. In the meantime, I rest in the everlasting arms. Having fought off a vicious flu attack a fortnight ago – thank you 2019, the gift that just keeps on giving 🙂 – it’s a pleasure just to be able to inhale and exhale. All orders have been filled and dispatched, all designs for next year have been put on hold as companies shut down for the next fortnight. I did some guerrila Christmas shopping this weekend, put up the tree, and best of all, went to the most uplifting Carols by Candlelight service. I wrapped all the presents and even managed to deliver some already. Who is this crazily-organised person? Nothing left to do but to wish you all a very merry Christmas filled with joy and laughter. A huge thank you to all our customers; your business is much appreciated and the little selection from my favourite images above is for you. If you’re still frantically rushing around, may I suggest that you stop to take a breath, listen to some music: carols are great, and I wrapped the presents to Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald. It’s the little things. I leave you with some cheesy jokes which I have shamelessly stolen (thanks, Richard 🙂 ), and the incomparable Mr Armstrong performing the Basin Street Blues. Oh my:

Why did Santa go to the doctor? Because of his bad elf.

Why does Santa go down the chimney on Christmas Eve? Because it soots him.