Do you believe in balance, in ying and yang? I just read this entry in Tim’s blog and realised I was having exactly the opposite experience. sigh.

Some good news – Nick’s brother turned up okay…in Vietnam.

Time magazine has picked Susanna Clarke’s Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell as its ‘Book of the Year’ in its Best and Worst of 2004.

As others have noted, The South-East Asia Earthquake and Tsunami is the place to go for news and such on the Boxing Day tragedy. Do what you can. Give what you can. Our thoughts go out to Locus colleague Nick Gevers, whose brother was holidaying in the area and hopefully will turn up alive and well.

Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, there was plenty of stirring, it scared off the mouse! Children were giggling, parents were wrapping, food it was bubbling, and no-one was napping! Presents were ready, children were too – it seemed it was Christmas, though it looked like a zoo!

Hope you and yours have a special, wonderful holiday season. We don’t mind if you’re naughty, we don’t mind if you’re nice, we just hope you’re having fun, and most of all that you’re safe. See you in the New Year!