In accordance with the multicultural & inclusive theme that will be the hallmark of this blog in 2008, I trust that you all enjoyed an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or, in fact, secular practices of your choice, but with due respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or indeed their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all.

Can I also take this opportunity to wish you all an economically successful, personally fulfilling & medically uncomplicated recognition of the generally accepted Gregorian calendar year 2008, but not without due respect for the calendar of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make Britain great. Not to imply that Britain is necessarily greater than any other country. These wishes are, of course, issued without regard to the race, ethnicity, gender, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the recipient.

& now, I’m going to the pub to buy EMB a pint for sending me this