Before you're totally put off by all the posts about keeping warm, dry and helping out on muddy airfields, can I suggest some gliding related items that might make good Christmas pressies?....
A 1/2 Mil map (as you're in Staffordshire, you may need two - one for the North and one for the South). You don't actually NEED a map whilst you're learning but it'll help to give you a feeling for where you're going to be flying, what to look out for on the ground, other airfields, airspace, etc. It adds an extra dimension as it helps you to better understand the flying environment and may inspire you to think ahead when you're solo and want to progress onto flying away from your home site. A 1/4 Mil is good too if you want to see the area in more detail. Ask your instructors what they'd recommend.
A basic book on Meteorology (the simpler the better) to help you to understand the weather a bit more.
A subscription to Sailplane & Gliding magazine - it contains lots of articles about everything from basic learning through to soaring the Andes.
Have lots of fun!