At the start of another year, I’m giving God my empty diary and asking him to show off

The year is getting off to a quiet start for Gemma Hunt. But after years of freelancing she’s learned to trust God with her calendar

Pine needles, glitter, a few chunks of cheese and the unpopular Christmas chocolates are all that are left.

Just a few weeks ago the anticipation of Christmas, the hubbub of gatherings and festive songs playing while the tree twinkled above the pretty presents were all full of hope and expectation. It has been a lovely time, with some bittersweet moments amidst the laughter, I am grateful for this time of year. But, taking everything down and revealing the mess, the void where the tree was, the plain decor where there was previously colour and sparkle always leaves me feeling a bit exposed and empty. The house looks bigger somehow yet is now more full because of the generous gifts we’ve been given. Our daughter loves playing with her toys and we have accepted that they are now part of the house decor and they do bring a lot of colour and life to our home, but it’s not quite the same as the Christmas decorations.

As we wind away the fairy lights and carefully box up the baulballs and ornaments I do wonder