Having recently celebrated a significant birthday, I spent time admiring the gifts I had received and those that I am still hoping for. No doubt those absent presents are stuck somewhere in a distribution depot – but thanks anyway; I'm sure they will arrive soon!

I also spent a good deal of my time reflecting on the gifts that didn't come my way this year. I gave special thought to those things that would help me into the final years of my career and ultimately retirement. Having got beyond longer and lighter gardening implements, a reclining armchair, coach trips to quiet places and unlimited access to Majestic Wines, my thoughts became darker.