New Brooms

Do you feel the sense of anticipation? It’s not just the children. This time of the year is traditionally a time when we are rushing to complete tasks so we can enjoy a little peace and quiet in the darkest time of the year. I suppose it was always like this, because to work while nature sleeps is rather hard for human beings. Better to hibernate in rhythm with the season. Since hibernation is impossible for humans, we have a winter festival instead. Christmas added a series of religious meanings to this time of year, underlining something we already felt.

The tradition of writing to baby Jesus is part of this- summarising the past year, looking to celebrate it through gifts. Then, of course, the cycle begins again. In…