Stroud Yoga Centre window

Mmmm, shop windows at Christmas, nothing's like them! Even though Buddha isn't a Christmas deity, the yoga centre puts on a twinkling display every year.One of my favourite children's books for Christmas is Holly and Ivy by Rumer Godden. I re-read it most years..The story concerns an expensive doll in a toyshop, and a child (orphan?) who wants a doll, and a home.

I walked to work over tundra. Walked home in the dark over tundra. Feels dangerous, even with 'chains' on my boots. In between work and home, I went to a 'thank you' drinks party for those who helped out with this year's book festival. I found it a lovely, low-key event, with some key opportunities for networking.

I'm so tired, I'm going to bed now. Morocco is out of the World Cup. At least four migrants have drowned in the English channel in freezing waters. Four children have died too (the fourth died today) after falling through ice on a frozen pond in Solihull on Sunday. Whatever happened to those Public Information Films about not playing on frozen ponds/building sites/railway lines? Awful tragedies that could have been prevented.