The Essence of Christmas

Having studied in a convent school, I’m quite acquainted with the hustle and bustle Christmas brings in!

The whole school would be lighted up and charmingly decorated in red and green.

There would be a huge Christmas tree in a corner all shiny and decorated with baubles, angels and stars. It would be the prettiest sight of all.

The song ‘Jingle Bells’ would be playing in the background all this while.

The most important thing about Christmas is that it invites us to reflect on the most important things in our life — our faith, our family, and our freedom. Our faith gives us hope, our family gives us love, and our freedom gives us the opportunity to practice our faith and to love each other.

But I think that Christmas has become less about Jesus and more about materialism, which is saddening.

Nonetheless there’s nothing quite like the warm feeling of magic you get at Christmas. It’s that one perfect time of year dedicated to relaxing, spending time with loved ones and creating memories that last a lifetime.

A festive home just invites you to unwind in comfort with friends and family at the heart of it all.

It’s a time of homecoming when we get to reunite with people who fly across the world just to celebrate the season with us.

One of the greatest parts of Christmas is the chance to relax with the people we love and rejuvenate after the stresses of every-day life.

It’s a rare time where everyone can enjoy simple things together like a homemade roast, favourite movies and even family games. It’s a chance to curl up on the sofa under a comfy throw and finally let our bodies and minds relax in front of a roaring fire.

Because while the hustle and bustle of relations coming together is a treat, the real joy is found in quieter family moments.

Every parent knows there’s nothing quite like tucking little ones into bed under toasty quilts on Christmas Eve as they vow to stay awake to see Santa Claus.

Then on Christmas morning, after duvets are cast aside, there’s the joy of rushing as a family to see what surprises have been left under the tree.

And when relatives leave and the chaos subsides, there’s the warm satisfaction of knowing you’ve created an amazing Christmas for your loved ones.

You sit back in comfort with a tin of sweets and a cup of mulled wine, taking in the smell of cinnamon and the sight of a beautiful Christmas tree. In that moment, there’s nowhere else in the world you’d rather be.