With thanks to Country and Townhouse, here are five things to do in London:

Katherine Jenkins gives us the lowdown on her new Christmas film, and the revamped Cotswolds spa to book for January

When I read that the beloved children’s book, Dogger by Shirley Hughes (I still have my copy), finally had a follow up 43 years later, I thought about how waiting is such a delicious luxury in our digital age of now, now, now immediacy. For example, all of Donna Tartt’s novels (which are published approximately every 10 years) are absolutely worth the 315,360,000 second-long interlude. Want to know what else I think’s worth waiting for? Click here.

Have a great week.

Lucy

FIVE THINGS YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS

Bags: Inside Out

The first ever Birkin bag, Margaret Thatcher’s grey Asprey and Carrie Bradshaw’s Fendi Baguette are just some of the standout pieces on display at the V&A’s new fashion exhibition, which explores the rich history of the handbag. Image courtesy of the V&A

Ice skating at Hampton Court Palace

London’s open-air ice rink scene has taken a hit this year, but you can still get your skates on at King Henry VIII’s home, Hampton Court Palace. Go at night to see the historic Tudor gate bathed in light, before warming up with a mulled wine at Miss Polly Café.

Love Actually Live in Concert

From Hugh Grant’s dance to The Pointer Sisters’ 'Jump' to Bill Nighy’s 'Christmas Is All Around', all Love Actually fans know the score is a big part of its magic – hence Love Actually Live in Concert, which sees the soundtrack of Richard Curtis’ 2003 film performed live to picture.

Christmas at The Savoy

Christmas wouldn’t be the same without lots of fizz, so head to The Savoy to enjoy its festive partnership with Nyetimber. Feast on paired cakes and wine, take part in masterclasses and tick off your gift buying list at the pop-up shop.

The Royal Opera Christmas Concert

Whether you join a socially distanced audience or watch the live streamed version from your sofa, The Royal Opera Christmas Concert is sure to be special, featuring fairy-tale opera favourites including Rossini’s La Cenerentola and Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel.

Enter now to be in with the chance of winning luxury bags and accessories brand Chapman’s complete cargo range, worth £1,135.

WHAT’S KEEPING MY SPIRITS UP

MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTIONS

It may sound silly as an editor of a magazine, but I’m so often asked whether or not I think print is dead. My answer is a flat no, of course. In fact, I think they’ll become even more prized as physical things we can touch, smell, flick through and come back to again and again. Digital just can’t offer that and never will. So, make someone’s day and order them a subscription to Country & Town House this Christmas (other titles available, of course).

VINTAGE FASHION

I popped into Sign of The Times on Elystan Street in Chelsea this week. One of my new year’s resolutions is to go vintage before I go new. Buying clothes is a uniquely pleasurable habit but doing a supermarket sweep of Zara on a bimonthly basis is just not going to cut it anymore. Besides, you don’t get the service. At Sign of The Times, you can now even book in for a stylist’s session. Before you rock up, there will be a brilliant edit of things for you to try on that a) will fit, b) will suit you, and c) save you heaps of money on the original. This is contemporary shopping as an experience – what we’re all craving right now.

BAMFORD’S NEW SPA

Those lucky Cotswolds dwellers. Bamford has upped its wellness game just in time for January – the traditional month of ditching booze and necking turmeric shots. Based in the heart of Daylesford’s organic farm, this newly aggrandised space includes a wet area with a herbal steam room, crystal sauna and a wellness pool. Bigger studios spaces see more room for yoga, gong therapy, meditation and Pilates, and a vast range of therapies include everything from crystal healing, astrology and craniosacral therapy to nutrition and osteopathy. Get booking now.

WHAT OUR EDITORS ARE UP TO

Obsessed with Emma Corrin as Diana Princess of Wales? Here are our favourite looks from The Crown

Nikki Tibbles gives us her top tips for getting the house holiday ready this Christmas

Ed Vaizey and Charlotte Metcalf meet The Royal Ballet director Kevin O'Hare on Break Out Culture

Image by Joe Plimmer

Katherine Jenkins chats to Ellie Smith about her new Christmas film and the rise of virtual performances

CULTURE RADAR

LISTEN

I’m not a Monster is the extraordinary tale – four years in the making – of an American woman and her children who travelled to the Islamic State to the heart of Isis