Many ancient civilisations celebrated the new year not on 1 January, but in March. They certainly had a point: spring feels like a new beginning, as nature awakens after the cold, dark days of winter.

AMELIA arrives home from her half-day at work. She has the week’s shopping and quickly squirrels everything away, leaving just her children’s magazines on the kitchen table. Seeing she only has three-

CHARLIE the guinea pig was the love of my life – cute, full of character, demanding but easily pleased, and utterly adorable. This cute furry creature lived in our hallway in winter, and in the garden

Animal magic and a camera changed everything for my girl Paula McDonald, 39, Ardrossan, North Ayrshire

Here is my son, Adam, who lives in China with his wife Arya, snowboarding in Chengdu last New Year’s Eve! Anne Draper, Cuffley Here are my husband of 50 years, Brian, and myself in Chamonix with a won

Taking in the views near Queenstown in New Zealand, here is my son, five-year-old Scott. What a beautiful location, this lake really is blue in colour. Vanya Hammett, Neston When exploring new places,