Earlier on this year we wrote the following...

Unfortunately like many people around the country we are having to postpone many wonderful events. We really miss meeting lots of amazing people; helping to deliver their perfect ocassion and creating very special memories. These are extra ordinary times but we will get through it together and we are heartened daily by the wonderful stories we hear from people helping others; from a bunch of flowers left on a doorstep, to a conversation with a long lost friend, to a full blown wedding via Zoom with jelly wedding rings!  In these times of darkness there are brilliant shafts of light and when we return to our busy lives lets hope we hold on to this very special connection we have made with family, friends and strangers across the globe.

Looking back, this has indeed been a very strange year. A year that none of us would dared to have thought possible, the stuff of nightmares!  And yet, here we are, some of us battered and bruised by the events of recent times, none the less we are still hopeful and remaining strong.

Maybe this terrible year has actually bought about some positive changes too... the importance of family and friends for us has certainly been key to us remaining cheerful. It is because of them we want to make the very best of of any time we can get together this Christmas to say 'thank you' and to show them just how much we really care.  It won't be through expensive gifts (although those are always nice to receive!) but in times shared together.  Spending time together, as we have learned above all this year, is the most precious gift you could ever give or receive.