Yule or the winter solstice marks the shortest period of daylight and the longest night of the year. It differs from the summer solstice - which is a more public and outdoor time of year - and encourages more private and domestic celebration. For me it's a time of gratitude for the gifts of my life and family. For the opportunity to work in a job I love and the people I meet. With the slowly increasing daylight, I now look forward to the opportunities of the new year. I will

Now advent is here my children are finally relieved they can start with the Christmas music. I am not sure how many times more I can actually listen to Mariah Carey sing "All I want for Christmas is you..." but for my children Christmas means Christmas music - and they clearly haven't listened to this song for the last 23 years like I have. I've never really been a massive fan of Christmas to be honest. I find the spending, waste, shopping and present lists a little grim. In