Dear reader,

For me and many members of the Monocle team (those not on standby for breaking news or snug in studio hosting) Christmas and New Year might be the closest that we get to a proper break in a packed calendar.

Though there are sometimes more late nights than silent ones at this time of year, a break in routine can help us take stock and consider the gifts that we give, as well as the wrapping.

So if you know someone who aspires to stay better informed, live a little better and thinks that 2026 could (nay, should) be better than what came before, then might I suggest that a Monocle subscription is the right place to start. Give a subscription to someone who will cherish it – and you for it. Unlike those chunky socks you were considering, this gift lasts all year.

Our editors know that the world is complicated and think it deserves journalism that’s calm, well informed and knows when to crack a smile too. It’s all the more important in a world that feels like it’s been shrunk to the size of a snow globe. You and your nearest and dearest deserve some good news and year-round cheer and we’re always happy to clear a path forward amid the flurry of negative headlines. They’ll get the magazine, a year of better news, and discounts in our shop as well as travel guides, invites to meet our editors and other interesting people – and much more besides.

So amid the cocktails, carols and carousing, I hope that you will find a moment to consider the year ahead and sketch out some plans for what you value – and who you might want to encourage along the way. Naturally, I hope that includes giving someone you respect a subscription that they’ll treasure – and for the price of an anything-but-silent night on the town this Christmas.

For a short window this weekend, gift subscriptions are reduced by 10 per cent.

Thank you for all of your kind support, for a great 2025 and we look forward to an even better 2026.

Josh Fehnert
Editor