The day I get to judge my annual Christmas card competition is always an exciting but challenging day for me as First Minister. Every year I send out thousands of Christmas cards to people all around the world, including the Queen, and to the President and Vice President of the United States. I like to make the Christmas card extra special, so I ask for help from schoolchildren around Wales.
Following COP26 in Glasgow – where I heard directly from people on the frontline of climate change about the impact it is already having – I decided this year’s theme would be “A Green Christmas”. I wanted children to show how we can all play a part to cut pollution, protect nature and our climate.
It’s been wonderful to see the commitment of children across Wales. Each year their imagination amazes me. I always look forward to seeing the brightly coloured festive designs they have created. Because the theme was A Green Christmas, you can image the huge array of designs – from cards featuring recycling and electric vehicles; you’d be amazed what Santa can arrive on in a green world!
As ever, the competition draws a fantastic response and it was a very difficult decision to make a final selection, but after a lot of debating, I eventually narrowed down the contenders and chose a winner – Taliesin Bryant, from Ysgol Llannon.
Llongyfarchiadau Taliesin!
This is a beautiful depiction of a Christmas scene, but with hands around the globe showing how it’s only by working together we’ll be able to tackle the problems of climate change.
A huge congratulations to Taliesin and thank you to everyone who took part in the competition.
Nadolig Llawen. I hope you all have a peaceful and restful Christmas.
Mark Drakeford, First Minister of Wales
Hi well done