I didn’t know this one, but I tried to find songs about wishing this random girl wasn’t about to fly around the world and you weren’t going to completely miss her, until whenever it was that you got to see her again. But this was the nearest I could do. And it’s—as you would say—a bop.

12. “Once Upon a Christmas Time (The Girl in the Turkey Slippers)” by the Au Revoir Hairs

NOT YET HEARD SOON-TO-BE CLASSIC. Written by the hottest band in the States, soon to be world. It’s about a very special someone (you). (I know how bad you are at hints.) #wattle

13. “All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey

Too many reasons to mention but the main one is… I couldn’t have said it better myself.

Acknowledgments

Okay, I’m going to make a wild guess that you’re reading this somewhere in the vicinity of December 25? In which case, HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

I love this time of year, so a massive, extravagantly gift-wrapped thank you to the awesome team at Sourcebooks for giving me the best Christmas present ever—bringing Holly and Elle (and Colin) to America. Thank you! With an extra special big thanks to Steve, Zeina, and Cassie for all the amazing editorial-ness, Kelly and Nicole for the gorgeous new cover, and Beth for the marketing and publicity.

Back in the UK, thank you to Lauren at Scholastic for giving me the chance to write about all things festive and to Yasmin for jumping straight in and being a Christmas guru. Pete—what can I say? Dead poinsettias, sandwiches, sausage rolls, spreadsheets. Just the biggest thank you (and to your mum too). Big thanks also to Jessica, the proofreader of dreams, and to the rest of team at Scholastic, especially Harriet and the awesome publicity team, Emily and the brilliant rights team, and Ruth too—thank you all for your support. Gemma, as always thank you for being the very, very best (and for the commitment to incredibly strong festive accessories for Charlie).

Like Holly in the book, I love all things Christmassy—and the reason I love it all so much is because of my wonderful family. Daddles and Moomin—thank you for making every Christmas so very special, and thank you for being you. I can’t tell you how much I’m looking forward to this one. Becca, you’re the best co-present-giver-out-er there is, and well, Ian, your jumpers really raised the game. Rose, you are pure Christmas magic all year ’round—you brighten up any day you’re in with your sparkle.

Chris, thank you for everything, always. And to fellow elves Babs and Kev—thank you for all the inspo (shout-out to turkey-eating Chester), and thank you Phil and Ashlee (my paper-crown-wearing American guru).