Before Christmas comes to an end in New Zealand where my most eastern reader lives, I’d like to wish all my readers a very Merry Christmas.  I also want to wish you a Geseënde Kersfees, which is Afrikaans for a Blessed Christmas.

Even if you don’t celebrate it, even if you don’t subscribe to the religious beliefs underlying the day, know that the wife and I wish all of you the same hope and joy the day symbolises to us.

• Assorted Hammers