It is dark and damp here in the UK, and it does feel like it’s been this way for a very long time. It is likely to continue this way for quite some time but thankfully the celebrations of light have started to get underway. Diwali kicked it off with bursts of light into the sky and that seems to have segued nicely into the appearance of Christmas lights on public buildings, and there will be Hanukkah candles as well in a few weeks. Many of the countries of the northern hemisphere also have winter traditions that contain stories and representations of light – a light that gives off warmth when we all most need it.

It is after all in our darkest times that we want to see a glimmer of hope. That is why we would like to take this opportunity to send all of you our season’s greetings, our thanks and our best wishes for the dark months ahead.

So, whether you have just had a delightful Diwali, are looking forward to a cool Yule, dreaming of a hopeful Hanukkah, or just looking forward to a comfortable Christmas then we wish you all the very best for this time of year. And if you don’t celebrate any of those festivals – well, we hope you have a nice time anyway and take pleasure in an excuse to relax and put your feet up with a history podcast.

And as 2024 draws to a close we at the HA would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our members, supporters and volunteers, as well as to the whole history community.