WHAT a difference a week makes.

Just last week December had seemingly barely begun but now we are on the cusp of another Christmas Day.

Of course the last few Christmas seasons have been largely interrupted if not ruined by the pandemic and associated government social distancing rules.

While the majority of the British public honoured the regulations in place last Christmas the worrying claims that the UK Government did not and held a series of parties last year has certainly soured the mood among the public.

After all, Christmas is a time for sacrifices and a great number of people have done just that since the beginning of this nightmare nearly two years ago.

There are some who have remained isolated from the world and have been indoors since the start to ensure their safety as the global pandemic endures.

Others have volunteered to help keep the country running and many of us have taken up hobbies to help distract our anxious minds.

With that in mind we are fortunate indeed to live in a part of the country where escape is not just possible but unavoidable.

Even within walking distance of our towns the hills of solitude and valleys of peace are close enough to offer solitude and haven to all.

Sometimes that is all that any of us need and we always feel better, if not a little colder, for the experience.