16/12/2025
Christmas 2025
I blinked in January, and when I opened my eyes again, it was December. Truly, this year slipped by faster than I could have imagined, yet somehow it left me with more to be grateful for than I can count. Everything in between feels almost dreamlike, and once again I find myself at the tail end of the year, gathering up the threads of the last twelve months and trying to find the words to honour all they held.
After forty-five years, on a quiet Wednesday afternoon in mid-October, I walked out of Villa Sardegna—my home—for the last time. I left with tears in my eyes. That house sheltered my family for decades; it was a haven in every sense. It held laughter, tears, and all the quiet moments that shape a life. But the warmth began to fade the moment I decided to downsize, and a steady stream of viewers and agents moved through rooms I had protected so fiercely. It’s a strange thing to watch a home slowly become a house. Packing up the memories was, without question, the hardest part.
And yet, not long after, I find myself settled and content in my new space, less to maintain, more time for the things I love. Tina and I now live in the same complex: she’s up on the third floor in her “treehouse” (it really is!), while I’m happily grounded in my little garden sanctuary.
This year also brought the joy of watching my Scottish granddaughter, Jemma, start big school. What a privilege it was to walk her to and from Gartcosh Primary, even if only for a few days, it was enough to warm a grandfather’s heart. How proud we both felt, hand in hand, as she introduced me to everyone with her broad Glaswegian confidence: “This is my granddad.” And little Angelo began nursery too, marching in with the same bold spirit Jemma had at his age. These small moments between grandparents and grandchildren are treasures.
Visiting London was lovely,transport strikes and all…perhaps even more memorable because of them. The National Gallery was simply… wow. My beautiful companion made the trip richer still, and the new people I met along the way were a gift. The first-class train journey to Glasgow deserves a special mention, rail travel in Europe is something everyone should experience at least once.
Our growing young ones, and our not-so-young ones—continue to shine:
• Jemma, flourishing in Muay Thai (Thai boxing.)
• Valeria, achieving her honours degree
• Luca, excelling in chess and karate.
• Olivia, also thriving in karate… as Deon did too!
• Massimo, completing his diploma as a personal fitness trainer
• Amy, one step closer to achieving her optometric-assistant qualification
• Aurora, often guided by her amazing mom, Bernie… mastering the balance bike
Claudia and Deon discovered the simple joy of cherry-picking in Fouriesburg. Amy and Frank welcomed Rocco (our old tomcat) into their home, much to Frank’s delight. They are besties again. And Mishka, in true feline style, decided to move in with the ex–next-door neighbours.
Valeria and Ricky continue their extraordinary juggling act, balancing home life while overseeing six (yes, six!) restaurants in Glasgow and Edinburgh. How Valeria manages the media side, motherhood, marriage, and further studies is beyond comprehension. And we chat often, across the world, with the kids popping into our FaceTime calls to share their stories and news.
Ricky is good at keeping our connection alive, and during one of our conversations he picked up on a change in me,in a good way. Being as observant as ever, he eventually asked, “What’re you up to, Pops?” And before I could answer, he grinned, as if he already knew: “Well, it’s about time you crawled out from under that rock you’ve been under for the last five years. I’m happy for you.”
And in the midst of his heavy schedule, he also found the insight to venture into the property market with a view to rent—“passive income, Pops!”
A personal milestone for me this year was the publication of my memoirs, a project that took a full year to complete back in ’23. The process was long, emotional, and deeply therapeutic. When I finally finished, I felt like a fish out of water… so I kept writing. After abandoning and returning to the project, I resumed again this year. This new novel, about food, love, and dementia, is now complete. Where I found the time remains a mystery, but watch this space.
At Franco’s we introduced a new trading method earlier in the year thanks to Frank Jr. and Uber. It took some convincing, but it has been more successful than I ever expected. With the world changing so quickly, adapting felt necessary, and this shift has brought a fresh, exciting dimension to how we serve our community.
Each morning, I wake up and silently thank those who care for Jay at Deansgate. She is comfortable, unaware, and so well looked after.
As the wheel of life turns, I’m reminded that none of us are bulletproof. I am thankful for my life, for clarity of mind, and for the many blessings I so often take for granted. Though the world may feel uncertain, we remain grateful for what we have, and for the wonderful people around us. I think often of those we have lost, and of all who suffer because of the decisions of others. I pray for peace on earth.
Thank you all for being our friends. Whatever your beliefs, may this season bring you warmth, joy, and blessings.
