Merry Christmas

My work is done. Now it's time to deliver a playful uppercut to the festive season. Christmas was never entirely about satisfying material dreams and abandoning moral restraint, but I guess there will be an element of that.

Mistletoe proffered

The stocking will be hung, the mistletoe hoisted and presents distributed in the hopeful expectation that modest consumerist choices have been expressed wisely.

Peaty delight

After a final drive home, it's time to head indoors for a welcoming tumbler of Ardbeg 10-year-old scotch whisky. Christmas joy in full measure begins with a glass of this peaty delight. The peatiest and smokiest of all Islay malts. Peaty whiskies seem right at Christmas.

Hodie Christus natus est

I will enjoy my initial whisky whilst listening to Britten's A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28. That should set the right mood for the next few days.

A strong, meaningful handshake, dear reader, and my very best wishes for a peaceful Christmas and engaging New Year.