Only a few short sleeps until Christmas is here once more. I don’t know about you, but I don’t feel ready at all! I feel as though time stood still around September and I haven’t really caught up yet.

What’s your word to describe 2008? In Elizabeth Gilbert’s internationally bestselling memoir Eat Pray Love, she assigns a word to sum up cities around the world. Rome = Sex, New York = Achieve, Los Angeles = Succeed. I think the same can be said for each year of our lives. Was 2008 about happiness or frustration for you? Perhaps it was family or fun or even fabulous!

For most of my friends I think the word is Change – from as frivolous as changing their mind or their hair colour to as monumental as changing their job, home or marital status.

On the world stage I think the word for 2008 has also been Change – most notably the heralding of a new political landscape and era of hope with the US election of Barack Obama.

For me the word would be challenge (and not the good variety!). Perhaps you think this is a rather strange thing for me to admit, particularly given that the subject matter we cover at SW certainly has a positive bent. Nevertheless, there it is.

A string of personal challenges has forced me to probe deeper than ever into my soul to find my own strength and root out old beliefs that no longer serve me. I’ve traded in some unfulfilled dreams and occasionally resisted the urge to hide under the doona.

As a result, there are some important things I’m going to change in 2009. When casting my gaze to the new year, I would like my word to be Happiness or maybe Satisfaction. Perhaps given the challenges of this year I might be permitted to request two words.

For the next couple of weeks at least it’s time to set aside reflection and ‘to do’ lists and enjoy some time with friends and family. If you are like me and you haven’t stopped to notice that Christmas Day is fast approaching, you might like to head straight to the Indulge & Discover section for some last-minute Christmas gift ideas.

If you are on a budget, our Beauty story has 10 great gifts for under $20 each and our Fashion story is packed with fabulous suggestions to keep you looking gorgeous throughout the festive season.

If you have a heart overflowing with gratitude this year and you want to give something back, head straight to the special feature Joy To The World to find a list of worthwhile charities who would love your support.

We will be back in February with an exciting line-up of all the things you have come to expect from SW. Be sure to check your email on Christmas Eve as we have a very special Christmas present for every SW reader!

Have a wonderful Christmas.
warmest wishes,
Cherie & the SW Team

Cherie & the SW Team.