I cannot dwell on the amount of celebrity deaths this year.  Yes, the Grim Reaper has got hold of some very talented people and I have been saddened to see so many lives being taken at a relatively young age.  I will miss the music, comedy and philosophy of individuals who clearly embodied an edge of genius and uniqueness.  However, I cannot embrace the #curseof2016 notion.

We have been lucky, we have been blessed with life, not everyone has.  As we placed our paper hats on our heads this Christmas Day, retrieved the usual bounty of cracker gifts from the floor and poised ourselves ready to launch into the cacophony of meat and veg, we pressed Mr Brown to make a speech.  His speech was simple, “I’m just so glad we’re all at the table.  Let’s eat”.

If 2016 has taught us anything it is to enjoy the now, relish the good in people and do not compare yourself to others.  We have no idea what other people are going through.  Be kind, be gracious and say you’re sorry when you know you should.  Accept that you can’t do everything and you can’t be everything for everyone.  You can just try as hard as you can.

Despite everything, I have a great deal of time and respect for 2016.  It has taught me a lot.  Money can’t buy life, family and friends give you strength you never knew you had and people are essentially good.

Enjoy the last few days of 2016, I hope they are a blast!