The Laboratory

We hope that wherever you are for Christmas, and whoever you might be spending it with, that you have a wonderful time full of surprises and good food. If you are on Twitter/X, don't forget to check out the hashtags #DuvetKnowItsChristmas to see photos of guest rooms that only ever surface in the holiday season, and #XmasAtTheInlaws for fun photos of our Christmas in Horsham. Here are some photos of what we wish Horsham looked like - maybe one day we'll have a snowy Christmas in the south! Happy Christmas and a blessed New Year! Adam & Sarah

Thanks to the 3 people (THREE!!) who have entered the Advent Calendar competiton from 15th December , no one's got it right yet so keep trying! Today's also a competition, but more of a private one between Sarah and me. She was sent an e-card from her university, Royal Holloway in Egham, showing a snowy scene. Very pretty, but not as good as the gardens in my college, Lady Margaret Hall at Oxford. So we thought we'd have a vote as to which is really best. Please do join in, and betray your educational or class allegiances as you wish: Which college has the nicest winter gardens? Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford Royal Holloway, University of London My own university or college What's a college?    pollcode.com free polls  

Anniversary Flashback: 2009 This was the most popular picture in 2009: To download all the photos from 2009, click this link . And to bring you up to speed with 2013: Time to get out the highlighter pen!

"Trolleys in the snow" This was taken in 2007 and I don't think by me, so if anyone wants credit for it, let us know  by our friend Sarah White! This is the Tesco store in Pulborough, West Sussex. Thanks for the photo, Sarah! After yesterday, I think everyone is looking forward to the first snowy day of the season. Certainly lots of outdoor lights are up, and we've written all of our cards!  What have you done so far for Christmas? Let us know in the comments. Bonus beats: Three days in, are you happy with your edible Advent Calendar? The Guardian puts a whole selection to the test.  Apologies to @anwen whose local Tesco has now sold out. 

photo by skl1983 on Flickr A snowy picture of the Apollo Pavilion in Peterlee, which has just been given Grade II* listed status, joining other fantastic structures like the Middlesborough Transporter Bridge, Battersea Power Station and Trellick Tower. Built in 1955, it was designed by Victor Pasmore, and instantly divided opinion, with its fiercely abstract Brutalist structure. After years of decay, it was recently renovated and we visited it on our last tour of the North. We also want to remember a much-loved friend, who didn't achieve listed status and was demolished last year. Trinity Car Park Gateshead RIP: