WHAT I’LL MISS
I’m going back to the UK for Christmas for the first time in several years, and I’m just beginning to realise I’ll miss Christmas on Lanzarote.

What exactly will I miss? Well, for a start, that relaxed, celebratory atmosphere. I enjoy the urgent, hectic rush of British city centres at Christmas, with neon lights, packed pubs, and Slade and Mariah blaring out; but I’ve also learned to appreciate the laid-back charms of Lanzarote. That feeling that there are weeks of holiday ahead – even if you’re working – so you can take your time and enjoy it to the full.

What else? I’ll miss the seafood counters, laden with glistening, fresh delicacies, and the Spanish Christmas carols that I’ve come to know, I’ll miss those children singing the lottery numbers on TV and the strolling folk groups in Arrecife.

I’ll miss nipping down to the beach for a dip on Christmas Day and that long session on the phone to family later on, I’ll miss walking through the resorts, where there’ll be a lovely festive atmosphere; I’ll miss finding a sunny terrace to sit and watch Leicester beat Liverpool on Boxing Day, and I’ll miss the winter walks up volcanoes and along coastlines that I love to do on free days.

Let’s face it, I’ll probably miss being warm, too; not having to put on three layers of clothes, gloves, a scarf and a hat to go out, and as I’m going to Scotland I’ll not only miss sunshine, but also daylight.

But for the first Christmas in years I won’t be missing my mother, my sister, my brother and their families. That makes it all worthwhile, even though I’ll miss all the friends I’ve come to know on this amazing little island, especially those absent ones whose memory always returns at this time of year.

So if you’re lucky enough to be here to enjoy all this and much, much more, make the most of it and ensure you have the happiest of Christmases and a New Year full of hope and satisfaction. See you in 2020.

Enjoy the mag – The Editor