From Equinox to Solstice, Diwali to Epiphany - countdown to Christmas with poems, inspirations and little moments of comfort and joy. Dip into the pages of this little treasury and you'll find plenty to inspire you: from the festivals that sprinkle the days of October and November, to a daily delight for Advent and the Twelve Days of Christmas.

Full of traditions, poems, stories and ideas for things to make and do, it's a celebration of all that we share across time, cultures and continents.

A beautifully wise and calm companion to your festive season.

Perhaps you'll have a go at making sloe gin when the berries are ripe in the hedgerows, or make popcorn on Walt Disney's birthday, or settle down with a hot chocolate to read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas.

You might be tempted to peel a satsuma whilst discovering a little bit more about this festive fruit, or learn how many cultures hold ancient festivals of light. Or you might decide to simply take a moment to pause and enjoy a little page of peace in the whirl of counting down the sleeps.

Let us guide you through this most magical time of year . . .