Editor's choice: your no-socks, no-more-STUFF list

Gift guide overload? Me too. Here are thoughts that don't involve wrapping or THINGS but embrace experiences, new skills and good times in 2025...

This is what we need: a breath of fresh air on a frosty December morning. Photo by Dan Barrett on Unsplash

I love the run-up to Christmas. I do. In fact, the anticipation and build-up are the moments I relish almost more than anything else – the thought of happiness and good times before the actual hard work part. (No grumpiness – mine or other people’s – figures in this frosty rose-tinted dream… ha!)

Because it is hard work, isn’t it? Largely because we, particularly women, self-impose so much pressure to create glowing perfection. For 25 years I’ve worked on magazines that reinforce those expectations, appealing though they are: all the goodies you feel you have to cook; the presents you want to buy, making just-right choices for each and every person. I take great pleasure in choosing thoughtful gifts, but I only enjoy it when the choosing is happening ahead of Christmas Eve.

This year, because of moving house two weeks ago, we’re staying with family for a few days over Christmas ra…