Take Your Time, from Maxine

As if by some flick of a magic wand, here we are, in the midst of November, and, no matter who I ask, no one seems to know quite how we got here. I love November; I'd go as far as to say it's my favourite of all the months. There's electricity in the air—a prelude to the festivities—that fills me with joy. However, even then I feel as if I’m being hoodwinked. My body might find itself in the present, but my mind can’t comprehend that this year is almost at an end. That's old Father Time for you; he continues his course, even when we’re pleasantly meandering behind. 

I've always been bewitched by the concept of time. It's only recently, however, that I realised just how guilty I was for wishing it away in anticipation of a moment in the future. A wedding or a holiday, perhaps. This is why I, at the start of the year, began making a considerable effort to live in the now, and I know I'm not alone in this sentiment. One benefit we can all reap from the events of the last two years is that we now have a better grasp on how we want to spend our time. When to put down the laptop and pick up a book; when to log off that conference call and, instead, gather your family around the table for some hearty food and board games. We've come to appreciate our time more than ever before. 

Many of us have used our time wisely; to pursue new passions or reignite some old. Take Georgia Cécile, who, on p16 of the new issue, shares how she spent her lockdown—making music that has since caught the attention of Jamie Cullum and the esteemed experts at Jazzwise magazine. Then there's Karen Livingstone Welstead, whose innate flair for interiors won her the accolade of designing and owning 2021’s Scotland's Home of the Year and a brand new career in broadcasting to boot. She invites you to have a snoop around her award-winning home on p54.

Of course, in this issue, our last of the year, you'll also find our usual assembly of style-led content to ensure you have a fashionable festive run-up. From the party trends you can wear anywhere you please (be it the sofa or the fancy cocktail bar) to the beauty looks to bookmark, which we had a little help in creating from Daniel Craig’s actor daughter, Ella Loudon, we've got everything you need to sparkle this season. On top of that, we welcome back our popular Manhood supplement, which will help the men in your life navigate the next six months with ease. And, last but not least, we've taken all the effort out of Christmas shopping for you with our impressive eight-page gift guide, filled with presents that are guaranteed to please. You’re welcome.  

Indeed, your Hood elves have been very busy behind the scenes making this the most memorable edition of your favourite magazine yet. And for me, it's undoubtedly one of the most sentimental. 

With a very heavy heart, I have to tell you that this is the last issue I'll be presiding over as editor. Having had the time to sit down and think about my life, where it has been, and where it needs to go, I have decided to refocus my energy on my first love—fashion. 

Spanning over two years, fourteen incredible issues and, yes, a global pandemic, I'm beyond proud to have played a role in Hood's journey; it has certainly played a significant part in mine. Now, however, it's time to make way for new talent, of which there is a tremendous amount of in Scotland, and resume the first role I held at Hood—that of a loyal, engaged, and ever-supportive reader. 

Thank you for allowing me the privilege of being your editor. From our Hood family to yours, have a very happy and healthy end to 2021—here's to bright new beginnings for us all. 

With love and festive wishes,