From the editor

did you ever play dizzy dinosaurs as a child? Spinning round and round on the spot until you were completely disorientated, stumbling around as your vision caught up, searching for something solid to anchor yourself to? That’s how this year has felt. The routine of work, plans with friends, having a booked holiday to look forward to – everything that gave my life structure and excitement, the things that propelled me forward and made the future a thing of anticipation rather than fear – had gone.

That’s why we’ve tried to make this issue your moment of escapism. Your time to sit back and find joy in the familiar comfort of the festive season. The world might feel out of control, but at least we’ve still got old Christmas films, songs about sleigh bells and oversized roast dinners.

So catch up with your favourite seasonal celebrities (p104), treat yourself to a new party dress (p110), schedule your Christmas TV viewing (p11) or plan a party (p43), even if the attendees are just you, a bottle of wine and your overpriced house plant. If that’s not enough to keep you busy, pamper yourself with our 2020 Beauty Award winners (p15). After months spent testing hundreds of products, these are the ones our team really rate. For my personal picks, check out the box below. Oh, and did I mention we’ve launched our very own perfume? Eau de Juice is available in four scents* at The Fragrance Shop. My fave is 100% Chilled, even if it doesn’t accurately reflect my mood as I embark on my Christmas shopping… Whatever you’re doing, I hope the next two months are as joyful and peaceful as can be expected. Roll on 2021. We’re ready for you!