So far we've had the relaxing, warm, family Christmas that I had hoped for.

Tommy and I have had quite a few wee romantic nights curled up in the glow of our big Christmas tree and cosy fire. Bliss!

We're in that mode of sleeping past our normal wake-up time and the cold, frosty mornings have encouraged us to remain 'cooried' in, as we say in Glasgow. Och well I'll just have to put up with it. Hogmanay will again be a family affair for us and a continuation of togetherness in our home just the way we like it.

On reflection of the year we are about to leave, I must admit to not really enjoying it.

This time last year I remember thinking how momentous 2014 could be. But it has been a year of some disappointment to me.

Although always grateful for all the good times that filled the year I can't help feeling disappointed on both a political and personal level.

Sure the Referendum campaign was momentous and compelled me to accompany Tommy all across Scotland and even address several meetings myself.

But sadly we came up short and still have to live under Westminster rule and that means lost opportunities to tackle the grinding poverty and inequality which scars oor wee country.

Tommy's constant campaigning, over 110 meetings and rallies, alongside his full time law degree took its toll on our family life. Time with me and Gabrielle was sacrificed. He is determined to spend more time with us and finish his degree as well. I will be keeping him to that promise. I bet there are thousands of fathers and husbands out there who hope to spend more quality time with their families as well.

Perhaps everyone needs to examine their work/life balance to ensure loved ones are not getting set aside too often. Remember shrouds don't have any pockets and life is not a rehearsal so cherish what you have and hold them close as often as possible.

New Year and a tattoo?

I have no tattoos. Neither does my husband. The main reason for this is probably that we are two big 'fearties'. Apart from giving blood us and needles just don't go together. However we have a friend, Sharon, who has her own tattoo parlour. She has often tried to encourage us to take the leap and have the ink adorn our sad old bodies but we have resisted thus far.

The other night the bold Tommy announced that he wanted to have my name and Gabrielle's name tattooed on his arm. After I picked myself up off the floor I discussed the mechanics of it all including the amount of letters he'd have to endure being inscribed, especially in 'Gabrielle'.

So he's now thinking that he'll just get 'Gail' done and I am thinking will I have enough time to sell tickets for this performance? Or will his bottle crash before he reaches Sharon's parlour door? Time will tell.

All that remains for me to do is wish each and every one of you a bright, peaceful and successful new year. Always cherish who and what you have in life and do unto others what you would have them do unto you. If we live by that motto surely happiness, fun and love will surround us all. Happy New Year.