BY THE time that you read this, Christmas 2017 will have passed. There may be turkey left; a crumb of Christmas cake to finish; a bit of stilton lurking like a relative overstaying their welcome, but by and large, Christmas celebrating is finished and attention is turning to New Year and inevitably perhaps, musings on what 2018 will bring.

It is in this spirit that I look back over one particular Christmas gift that I bought, for one particular friend, Jess and look forward to the future. My first memory of her is in an eye-popping bright blue skirt, when we started working together in an early post-graduation job that funded myriad nights out whilst we mused on what we were going to do with this whole adult life lark. Since then, Jess has been there with me through everything.

I bought her a pop art picture from ‘Artisans Corner’ on Glebe Street, of Han Solo saving Penarth Pier from an AAT Battle Tank and in there is an obvious analogy, not me thinking I’m Princess Leia, no, but of all the times that she has reassured, encouraged, defended and supported me, doing it all with a fierceness that is flabbergasting in its’ formidability. Admittedly, this support is rarely from the forces of the Empire, but certainly against some tough or frustrating times.

She is an utterly unflinching cheerleader of her friends; as protective as a lion; as loyal as any hound; as witty as any stadium-filling comic; as wise as any Sage and as brilliant a dancer as Beyonce. A ‘Ricky Martin/ dance/ Sunday afternoon’ incident will be forever in my mind as one of the funniest moments of my life, sadly words can’t do it justice.

Jess struts in ornate, beautiful Irregular Choice shoes that make my feet throb at the thought; she talks with more passion and eloquence about the finer detail of rugby than anyone I have ever come across and has garnered impressed comments from those around us when giving me a running commentary on why who was doing what during a Six Nations jolly to the Principality stadium. She has an in depth knowledge of ‘Sex and the City’ which provides an excellent short-hand for us both and triggers many a laugh and her fierce intellect, curiosity and belief in social justice has lead to many a fascinating, stimulating conversation.

The picture was as much house-warming as Christmas in its’ intention as Jess has a wonderful new abode. It feels like her, it more closely represents her than anywhere else she has lived and she was deservedly proud when I visited it for the first time.

It made me think, not just of this strong, feisty, very funny lady whom I am so honoured to have as my friend but of new beginnings, fresh starts and the new year. Whether you’re setting up home, deciding on a career, embarking on travel, love or any other adventure, I wish you a healthy and happy 2018.