Editor’s Letter: December

December has arrived in Derbyshire, bringing with it the soft glow of festive lights - and, it must be said, rather a lot of rain. While we’re still waiting for those crisp winter mornings to make an appearance, we eagerly anticipate the moment they arrive: when a delicate blanket of frost settles across the landscape and lakes and reservoirs turn to ice. It’s one of our favourite times of year to pull on our walking boots and breathe in that fresh Derbyshire air.

Christmas markets, local fairs and community events are now in full swing, from Bakewell to Belper, Glossop to Wirksworth. Independent shops, cafés and makers sit at the heart of these celebrations, and supporting them during the festive season helps sustain the character and creativity that make Derbyshire special all year round. Alongside our beautiful Christmas Special, we’re also releasing our Winter issue this month — because winter is so much more than Christmas alone, and deserves to be celebrated in its own right.

As ever, our wonderful team of stockists will have copies available. You can find us at Haarlem in Wirksworth, Baxter & Co at Peak Shopping Village, and Design 44 in the Derbion Shopping Centre, Derby. As a special treat, you’ll also be able to pick up a copy of our Christmas Special from Good Folk Bakery in Duffield, who pop up at The Pattenmakers Arms every Wednesday and Saturday - and we highly recommend treating yourself to one of their delicious festive bakes while you’re there.

December is a gentle reminder that light is never far away - in candlelit windows and Christmas tree lights, and beyond that, in the promise of longer days following the Winter Solstice on 21 December, when daylight slowly begins to return.

From both of us, we’d like to thank you for reading, sharing and supporting Your Derbyshire throughout the year. We wish you a peaceful December, a joyful festive season, and a hopeful start to the year ahead.

Warmest wishes,
Olivia & Rachel