The shadow of Covid is hanging over Christmas this year, even among the children usually just excited by the arrival of Santa Claus. Children’s wishes this year include the usual festive build-up and the much-wanted toys they are hoping to receive. But this year, too, the children talk about what they are missing. They miss extended family, especially grandparents. They miss playing with friends and they miss sport and all their other normal activities. Crosscanonby St John’s Church of England School, in the village of Crosby, reflects all those themes: Tom Gyles, 11, said: “I wish for a snowy Christmas! And also for my football to be back on because I really miss it!”