Being the editor of a national newsroom is one of the most fun and most challenging jobs around. And the run-up to Christmas heightens it all. After months of relentless agenda-shaping stories, we’ve finally returned to what feels like more normal times for news. A breakthrough drug for Alzheimer’s gives us the chance of a more positive lead on the programme – we jump on it.

Times are tough, so finding stories that lift some of the gloom can make all the difference. We want 5 News at 5 to be more than a simple news bulletin. After all, people can get headlines on their phones 24/7.

An hour of news, in a programme that understands the stresses and strains of life, with a bit of light as well as shade, gives Channel 5 viewers that bit more.

Our newest presenter, Dan Walker, gets that. It’s remarkable how swiftly he’s slotted into the newsroom and built up a fantastic relationship on air with Claudia-Liza Vanderpuije and the whole team behind the scenes.

He’s full of ideas and always up for trying things out – the latest experiment is our new Top 5 strand. It’s a fresh take on the headlines, marking the halfway point in the programme and one that works so well with the programme’s tone. He’s such a good operator, he’s inspired us all to raise our game.

Part of the reason Dan is so great at 5 News is his focus on the viewers. We want to know what people at home are thinking – and the 5 Phone gives them a direct line to us. In the run-up to Christmas, the cost-of-living crisis is always on the agenda at our editorial meetings.

We’ve heard so many stories from people struggling to get by. It’s shown the scale of the challenge being faced by families across the UK, and we plan to feature even more of these stories in the year ahead.

Finding ways to make people feel connected to the stories we tell is more important than ever.

5 News doesn’t do a lot of sport coverage, but we always make space for the World Cup. Our correspondent Peter Lane and camera operator Adam Boyle have quite a few footy tournaments under their belts now, but Qatar has been so different – not least watching it all unfold just before Christmas.

It’s been a challenging story to cover but I think we are delivering a good mix of sport, people and the politics in a way that helps our viewers get a good grasp of what’s at stake.

But it’s not just about the stories we cover – sometimes ITN gets to be centre stage and I joined colleagues to see our CEO Rachel Corp unveil our new brand – the first major update to our logo since the 1970s.

It’s been fascinating to watch how the staff have contributed their ideas and thoughts about what we do and why – and to see that filtered and focused into a brand that encompasses everything from 5 News to the World Athletics to passengers on British Airways flights being able to watch live coverage of Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.

I’ve been reminded of the heritage of ITN and inspired about all the ways we are shaping its brilliant future. All with a lovely new logo to go with it.

Like everyone in news, I’m looking forward to a break from what’s been a gruelling agenda, so a tinsel-covered stately home, Christmas at Castle Howard, sounds like perfect viewing.

I’ve just finished watching Andor, a brilliant mix of Star Wars and politics, and The White Lotus is lined up to be next. I’m lucky enough to have some time off over Christmas, so there’ll be time for that, as well as some country walks while I unwind with family in Ireland.

Cait FitzSimons is editor of 5 News.