IT might well be midwinter, all wind and rain and cold, but tomorrow we banish the bleakness. The world can sometimes seem such a worrying place these days that, frankly, we all need a day off away from it, perhaps relaxing in the bosom of our families, perhaps having a solitary sherry by the flame-effect hearth.

Of course, not all of us can have Christmas Day off, and it is fitting that we raise a toast of appreciation first to those who are working, in our hospitals, police stations and emergency services, but also – as Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson reminded us yesterday – to those doing stints in hotels, garages and round-the-clock operations that may lack glamour but do require dedication.

We salute all our military personnel serving abroad and on duty at home. We extend the hand of friendship to those, of whatever faith, who have made their home here, particularly from troubled places abroad. We wish a speedy recovery to those laid up in hospital, and we lay a hand upon the shoulder of those unwillingly alone at Christmas.

If we could, we would command all our readers to forget their woes and have a good old laugh. In so doing, however, we would never neglect our editorial duty of dispensing wisdom and advice.

First, then: go easy on the turkey, goose, steak pie, nut roast, chipolata sausages, potatoes (boiled, roasted and mashed), sprouts (some readers were planning to go easy on these already), fruit pudding, custard, trifle, ice cream, mince pies, bread, chocolates and crisps. A sensible portion of each should suffice.

Secondly, drink responsibly: beware the wicked temptation of too much eggnog.

Thirdly, while being moderate in all other things, be merry in excess, or at least until your host asks you to desist from singing or leave. On which note, it only remains for us to say: have a Merry Christmas, readers.