Hurrah, It's the New Year

I always love this time of year, especially if we get a brilliantly sunny mild 1st January. I usually go away on 26th or 27th December to somewhere inspiring - mountains or the sea. My most favourite start to a New Year was sitting on top of a mountain in the Lake District, feeling invigorated and healthy and enjoying a packed lunch after a demanding climb. The world felt very good. One of the things I enjoyed was walking along ancient paths - places where people had been walking for thousands of years - although for a different purpose to my wish to have an inspiring start to the New Year.

There's something about throwing off the old year - with all its faults and drawbacks and disappointments and starting again, with fresh paper, fresh breath, fresh aspirations. I like the midwinter feasting: the time off from work to relax, meet friends and do a vast amount of cooking and eating. This year has been especially rich with good friends and good food and plenty of sleep. But the excitement and hope for a New Year is incomparable.

May your New Year bring you everything you work for.