HERE’S TO YOU…

2023 has been a remarkable year for Lanzarote in many ways. The island has broken all-time records for tourist arrivals, the resorts have been packed and there is no sign that things are going to change. This Christmas is likely to be one of busiest in Lanzarote’s history.

We’ve also sweltered during the hottest summer and autumn on record. That’s more good news for tourism – Lanzarote’s biggest selling point is its warmth and sunshine – even though heatwaves in October are strange for this island.

I enjoy grey, cool days on Lanzarote. They’re a chance to get some work done without being tempted by that glittering sea out of the window, but I also can’t help feeling guilty when there’s bad weather here – as if it was somehow our fault that people’s holidays weren’t living up to expectations.

Rain has been rare, but enough of it arrived to bring a surprisingly good wine harvest. We’ll be enjoying the results of that very soon, and what better time than Christmas to do so?

Of course, there are still many problems on Lanzarote. It’s almost impossible to find affordable housing, public transport is at breaking point, the water system is old and leaky and sickening reports of more drowned migrants have been heard too many times this year.

But, on the whole, these are problems that most of us can’t do much about. A new bunch of politicians, elected in May, will have the knotty task of sorting them out.

What we can do, especially at this time of year, is spare a little for those at the bottom of the heap. Christmas is a time when charitable donations are made by thousands, whether its money, food or time.

And there is one other hugely important thing that we at the Gazette hope that our readers, our clients and all our friends will do: make sure you have a very happy Christmas and the best of New Years.