It is the end of something which for the last few weeks has been my point of reference for every activity – I feel like this on the first day of Christmas. New Year's Eve is not a day of portent for me. It is too short and consists mainly of an evening and night spent at a boisterous party or travel in the arms of Morpheus. In spite of appearances, it isn't the time for contemplation, reflection and summing up. During Christmas it is different.

Even if we have visitors or visit somebody else, we have time for a cup of tea or a glass of wine, and this moment is conducive to reflection. I associate the first day of Christmas with things ending. This isn't a negative concept. It is just that a lot of things end so that more things can begin.

Up to now everything has been "about Christmas". No matter how hard we try, the next family meetings won't be as spectacular as Christmas Eve. On 24th December my children will open the last small surprise in their Advent Calendar. My freshly cleaned home shines, and until the dust gathers in the corners again, I don't have to do anything. The madness of Christmas shopping and the build up to Christmas is behind us. We only have to eat everything, hoping that the fat will accumulate not only on the hips. For children, and some adults, the exciting wait for the guest with the white beard finishes with the impatient unpacking of gifts.

For the last few years we have prepared Christmas Eve for the family in my home and the next few days we have spent resting. Chewing another Christmas Eve dumpling and Christmas gingerbread biscuit, I mull over what I have done in the past year and what I should do in the future. My huge success this year, which I'm very proud of, was launching the English part of my blog. It wouldn't have been possible without a few friendly people who lent me their support with warm thoughts and hard work. I thank them very much.

I'm glad about my children's successes, which bring me as much satisfaction as additional work. New prospects for the coming year are vaguely defined, letting us look into the future with curiosity. Despite the concerns and troubles, without which there is no real life, it was a good year. I believe that next year will be even better.

 So I would like to wish this for all of us.