I was asked recently to offer my fondest memory of a childhood Christmas, and I struggled for a while to think of a specific one. I grew up in the 1970s and my childhood Christmases were all completely magical to me. From helping with (or hindering) my mum’s baking rituals, singing carols at school, flicking through the toy section of the shopping catalogue dreaming of what goodies Santa might bring, opening the doors on an advent calendar, finding it impossible to get to sleep on Christmas Eve but then waking up bright as a button on the most exciting day of the year to tell mum and dad “he’s been!” and start opening the presents under the tree with my sister.
Looking back now, Christmas has become more of a feeling than a memory. It has changed as I’ve grown older, but there is something in the air at this time of year that makes me feel happier and more optimistic despite the colder weather and darker days.
Festive congratulations go to Mia Francis, a year 9 student at Settle College who has been chosen as the winner in our competition for local children to design the cover of Community News! We hope it gives everyone a warm glow as the Christmas season gets into full swing. You can see all the other entries on pages 28-31 and in our centre-pages you can find out about the many events taking place at churches across the district. You can download the latest issue to read online here.
With best wishes for Christmas and the New Year from all the Community News team. See you in 2026!
John Drake
Editor
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Next Issue (Feb/Mar 2026) is published on 5th February 2026.
The deadline for copy and advertising bookings is 15th January 2026.
