This is a photo taken by my daughter, Belle.

She’s nearly 12 years old and LOVES Christmas.

It’s not just getting presents that she likes.

But giving them!

I know, I know…. say what you like about the “youth of today” but it’s true.

Genuinely – Belle saves all her pocket money throughout the year so she can buy the most thoughtful gifts for her family.

Usually, I like Christmas too.

Mainly because I love our big family get-together, which happens every year in London.

But for obvious reasons, that’s off the cards.

So I really didn’t feel like doing much about Christmas this year.

However…

To make Belle happy, I have been wearing a different sparkly Christmas jumper every day this week (I seem to have an inordinate number of the things!) and trying to embrace the whole thing.

And do you know what?

As soon as I put the jumper on, it makes me feel better.

It’s like some weird magic charm.

I can’t help but smile.

And the act of smiling triggers those natural happiness chemicals which we all have inside of us.

It just goes to show that sometimes you can find joy in the smallest, simplest things.

This brings me to my message today.

What will be your beacon of joy this week?

I don’t know your precise situation right now, or how you celebrate Christmas (if at all).

You could be in any number of restrictive tiers, unable to see loved ones.

Tomorrow you could be sitting next to your body weight in sprouts and a turkey the size of a small dinosaur, wondering how you’re going to get through it.

You might simply be worrying about the pandemic and what the future holds.

But however and whatever you celebrate at this time of year, I hope that you’re managing to find some joy.

If you can possibly do so, find that small thing that makes you smile.

It could be an item of clothing or jewellery that you like to wear… a piece of music… a film… a video call to loved one who makes you laugh…. a favourite tipple… a walk in the park… a moment looking up at the stars…. a lazy morning in bed with a book…

Whatever it is, nurture it, and treasure it.

Think of it like a tiny candle flame that lights up a big dark room.

Let it guide you through the festive period.

That’s what I’m going to do, anyway.

For a few days I’m going to put aside my adult cynicism and see the world through an 11-year old’s eyes while wearing a sparkly jumper.

Every little helps, as they say!

Whatever you find to make you happy, I hope you have a wonderful festive break, despite everything.

Let’s come back fighting in the New year!