Christmas Is Coming . . . And We’re Feeling Festive


christmas films

Don’t shoot the messenger, but the festive season is already in full swing for us.

And I don’t just mean 2019. In just over a week’s time, we’ll be talking 2020 and possibly even 2021.

I don’t mind it at all. We may have already worked on Special 183, but we’re just starting off the second double issue of December, that goes into shops on December 18.

It doesn’t half make you feel festive. We’ll be looking at it until the end of November, then we’ll actually be in December, so we can legitimately feel festive.

Looking Forward

I’ve probably mentioned it before – and it won’t be the last time we mention it! – but it’s worth remembering there are just two double issues this December. The first is out on December 4, and then the second out on December 18. Both are bumper issues packed with amazing stories and features.

We’ve put together a special quiz of the year in the second issue. We do this ourselves, a gathering of the Features team in a meeting room. We each bring about 6 questions, and we narrow it down to 20 between the 4 of us.

What Will Winter 2019 Bring?

We’re looking out for great winter locations to send our travel writers this year, so if you know of any, pop us an email or contact us through Facebook or Twitter. We would genuinely love to hear from you.

So far this winter, the floods seem to be wreaking havoc across the country. And my home county of Devon is getting some snow across the higher ground – I bet a snowy Hay Tor would make a good cover . . . hmm . . .

I hope everyone’s doing OK in the difficult conditions.

Not The Only Ones

I’m grateful, really —

there are some people even more out of sync.

There’s an interview going into our December 21 issue with author Sue Moorcroft. She told us that she writes two books a year — one in the summer and one in the winter.

The idea for this year’s winter book came to her whilst on hols in baking summer heat, so she feels properly discombobulated. Thinking about winter all summer and then about summer all winter.

Anyway, I’d better crack on with the last few features for December 21. We can’t wait for you to read them . . .

Alex Corlett

Alex is the "Friend's" Features Editor, working with the talented Features Team to bring you everything from cryptic crosswords to financial advice, knitting patterns to international travel and inspirational real life stories. Always on the hunt for a new feature idea, Alex also enjoys cycling and loves a good tea room.