6 January 2026

On 6 January, I should be thinking about the travelling magi and their magical gifts – gold, frankincense and myrrh but instead, I have been thinking about the gifts which those who have an eye for such things are projecting for 2026.

I read about them in the ‘Style’ magazine in a recent edition of the Sunday Times. Crop Tops are being reanimated for 2026. If you liked Banoffee Pie in the 1970s, you may like its modern come-back. Instead of a Safari in East Africa, it’s all  the rage to go on Safari in Britain and see longhorn cattle and Exmoor ponies!

Orange painted pine is in and 2am is the new 6-30pm reservation especially for the World Cup aficionados. But, for me, the most comforting come-back is what was advertised as ‘Choose paper over pixels’. Did you know, ‘It’s time to rediscover snail mail.’

‘Next year will be all about the pleasure and permanence of writing a letter, rather than firing off yet another forgettable e-mail ….’  Ever since my mother taught me how to write a thank-you letter, I have been enjoying writing letters and cards by hand. People certainly appreciate it.

I have handwritten a diary for thirty years. I am on volume 42, mostly on A4 ‘Black n’ Red. I write my notes for a sermon by hand although I write the sermon on screen. I handwrite lists of tasks and notes for future reference. Apparently that has been good for me.

‘Writing by hand activates motor, sensory and cognitive regions that boost focus and memory …’ It is also a more personal way to interact with others. Jesus wrote in the sand. St. Paul admits he wrote part of a letter. Neither needed to boost their cognitive function but I do. It’s another good reason to continue writing by hand!