Above is a four-hour video created by the American Chemical Society that provides a relaxing backdrop for a Christmas party. But, alas, there is also an educational aspect to the video. It includes the chemical structures of a vast number of compounds that make up Christmas themed objects such as gingerbread, candy canes and a Christmas tree – to name just three. The chemicals appear on the screen and then the Christmas object is named, so it’s a bit of fun to guess what’s next.

Are you looking for books about science for young people on your Christmas list? Physics World contributor Louisa Cockbill is compiling a “stereotype challenging booklist” for young readers. “We’ve already put the list to good use — selecting books from it for STEM Ambassadors to read at 11 events across Bristol during the city’s Storytale Festival in October,” says Cockbill.

At the moment the list is a simple spreadsheet, but it already contains more than 90 titles from authors including Lucy Hawking and Stephen Hawking. Cockbill and colleagues are keen to receive more suggestions, so please let them know about your favourites.

Ending on a second video, above is a performance of an updated version of Tom Lehrer’s “The elements” by Helen Arney, the Waterbeach Brass Band and folks from around the world. The video was put together by Chemistry World to celebrate 2019 as the International Year of the Periodic Table. See if you can spot the Physics World team belting out “bohrium” and then later on in the credits.