Welcome to our final volume of the Isolation Diaries 2020, wow. It’s been a strange year, but we’re grateful for being able to use this platform to connect over the things that bring us inspiration and joy. So, being the finale, this volume is all about holiday cheer—The fun, the feasts, and festivities. Merry everything!

Our resident Northerner insists that brussel sprouts are a non-negotiable Christmas side, and you all know by now that we love Jamie. This recipe for squashed sprouts with chorizo and chestnuts is a standout among many worthy contenders. For some of us, a roast has never been the traditional Christmas fare, but there are fond memories of the family gathering over antipasti and Lasagna. For others, it’s the small customs that make these annual family gatherings special. Like always including Ginger Thins in the holiday shop. Yes, we accept all cookies.

We like to start the day healthily with a Buck’s Fizz or Bellini to accompany our buttery croissant breakfast. Our warm summers here definitely beg for something light and spritzy to enjoy over the present-opening. However, the toasty, rich wintery flavours still have their place on the menu—and in our hearts. We love a Mulled Wine over the holidays, really anything we can make in large batches is usually a winner. And for the morning after a big day of festive drinking and lots of sugar? We’ve got two words for you: Bloody Mary.

Everyone has their own favourite movies to watch during the holidays. Our yearly rotations include Die Hard—showing as a Christmas Eve Rewind at IMAX—The Nightmare Before Christmas (don’t come for us and say it’s a Halloween movie), and Home Alone, both playing at Lido. Need a comedy to watch at home? Check out The Family Stone. This week, we’re rushing to find the very best tree to impress the family. Christmas crackers are a must for filling any awkward silences over the table. Make your own and control the joke quality: Find inspo here and here.

Our Clear team will be taking a little break from the 21 December, with all of us back in the studio on the 11 January, ready for action. What will we do in our time away? It’s been quite a year, so we’re looking forward to spending some quality time with our friends and families, resting our brains after an epic year of creating beautiful work—albeit from remote locations—for our clients, that we’re incredibly proud of. After our time in lockdown, we’re keen to explore our city during this festive time, relax with our newfound hobbies, and get out into nature as much as we possibly can.

We wish you all a glorious Christmas and New Year.

Eat, drink, be safe, be merry. We’ll see you in 2021.