It’s the eve of Christmas, in the tradition I’ve grown up with, and also a period of celebration and commemoration for other cultures and religions.

Whatever your leanings, background and traditions, please accept my thanks for being such dedicated readers of this Substack. It began as a whim, a way of sharing heartfelt conversations I was having with friends, with other people. Sometimes I write about things in my head, my memory, or my experience. Other times I want to write about other people, about newsy events and very occasionally, and with great reluctance, I write about political upheavals. It’s the kind of mishmash you’d get from me if we were to meet for coffee every week or so.

So at this time of year, I will hold back any opinions and investigations and instead wish you peace and calmness, a time of long walks and clear evenings, the company of those you love and hold dear, and the memory of those who are gone, but not forgotten.

All the very best in 2026.

Leaving you with a Christmas song you may not know, unless you’re Polish.

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