As schools break up for the end of the year, we in South Africa find ourselves surrounded by images of reindeers, snow, holly and poinsettias – representations of Christmas inspired by another hemisphere. The reality here in Cape Town is that we’re cruising towards the summer solstice, the south-east wind is pumping, and what should be OUR Christmas flower – South Africa’s indigenous Agapanthus – is blooming like crazy in gardens and on road verges.

Whether your holiday season is full of sun or snow, may it be a time of love, joy and connection. May you slow down, making time to notice, savour and give thanks for that which is precious in your life.