Editor’s Letter: Ctrl-Alt-Delete

So we thought 2016 was a toughie, but 2017? Ugh. Even the sunniest dispositions have been challenged by a twelve-month global succession of – well, you don’t need me to list our litany of political, social, economic and environmental woes.

Quite frankly, however, it’s all felt like a bit of a necessary wake-up call. As it’s been revealed exactly how strong a part the media (particularly social media) has played in shaping recent public opinion, emotion and even action, we’ve started to realise: reality is increasingly up for grabs. We’re being influenced by what the very smart guys at FutureCrunch call ‘weaponised narratives’, and it’s up to us to turn those narratives around.

The period over Christmas and New Year is traditionally associated with rest and renewal: taking time to get back to what matters, and celebrating the love we share with friends and family. It’s the perfect opportunity to get off the juggernaut; to disconnect from the fake and indulge in shared moments, unmediated by phones; to have nuanced conversations, in unlimited characters, without hashtags. We can’t and shouldn’t ignore the very real issues happening in the world, but never before has it felt so important (and even subversive) to express love, imagine positive futures and spread some joy.

We hope this special double issue of PHOENIX Digital will help. Be inspired by our utterly authentic cover star, the musical trailblazer Gabrielle Aplin, as well as such sparkling humans as boxer Lisa Moore and drum & bass legend Roni Size. Revel in the spirit-lifting sequins, feathers and shine that dance through our fashion shoots. Feed your mind with ten of the best books with feisty female heroines from the past year. Boost your optimism with our overview of the (realistic) best-case political scenarios for 2018.  Show how much you care with our only-the-quirkiest-loveliest-and-most-ethical gift lists, curated by members of the PHOENIX team. Make rum cocktails. Eat melty lamb shank.

Oh, and don’t forget to pop a copy of our latest print edition, the SPACE issue, into the odd stocking. There’s nothing like a beautifully produced print magazine, read slowly in front of a roaring fire, to slow your pace and reboot your mind.

This planet might be battered but it’s still a better place to live than anywhere else on the cosmos (as far as we know). Let’s focus on what we want more of. Happy holidays.