My homemade Christmas

I live very close to one of London's busiest shopping streets and over the years this has made me nervous of Christmas. I've learned to hate the elbow-poking crowds with their fists full of plastic bags, so rude that they'd kick a grandmother to grab the last bargain. Which is why, this year, my husband and I are making all our presents ourselves. We're baking, gluing, cutting and picking everything from scratch (or as close to scratch as possible). I would tell you what we're making, but for the sake of surprise I'm keeping the actual gifts a secret for now. I'll let you know how it went after 25th December. Suffice to say, it's hard work but satisfying.

What got me thinking about all this in the first place was an exhibition and debate on making and crafting at the V&A a little while ago. It inspired me to write a piece for the BBC Radio 4 show, Four Thought, about why I'm a late adopter to technology. I'm of course in favour of scientific and technological progress, but when it comes to buying new gadgets (or any new things actually), I feel uncomfortable about throwing my old stuff away. This may be one reason I'd rather fix things or make them if I can. If you'd like to hear more of my thoughts on this, then tune into Radio 4 on 30th November at 8.45pm. I'd love to know what you, both my blog readers, think too.

(And if you'd rather not make your own presents and are looking for something to gift, then The Independent has just named Geek Nation one of their best science books for Christmas. There are even a few signed copies available at the magnificent Foyles bookstore on Charing Cross Road... just sayin'...).