After 40+ Christmases, I’m finally seeing what we’ve lost… and what we’ve gained.
Christmas feels different now – stretched across more weeks, filled with more noise and somehow offering less presence.
I’ve seen this shift over 40+ years and two continents.
More decorations, earlier.
More online shopping, less walking and discovering.
More photos, fewer conversations.
More convenience, fewer rituals.
But here’s what I keep reminding myself: the magic wasn’t in the gifts or the pace.
It was in the repetition.
The rituals.
The being together without distraction.
So this year, I’m choosing small things that bring the feeling back:
One old tradition.
One homemade dish.
One slow moment with people I love.
Christmas doesn’t need to look like the past.
But it can feel more like it.
Which tradition would you bring back this year?
Hi Christine,
we keep a couple of tradtitions in our families. For example rosted goose, braided yeast bun, roast beef and dumplings and much more. We love our Christmas tree well decorated, gift giving on Christmas Eve and sitting together unwrapping the gifts an having a glass of champagne ( juice for the little ones 😉)
Our Christmas days go on for three days as there is a big family who doesn‘ t fit in one house in Winter 😉
So, take care and enjoy the holidays and your very own family ‘s tradition 🎁🎄🕯️
Ele & Ulli Koetteritzsch
Hi Ele and Ulli,
It’s so lovely to hear about your traditions. Ours are quite different. We do our gifts on Christmas Day, have fondue for Christmas lunch and enjoy a slice of Christmas cake in the afternoon.
Enjoy your three days of celebration. It sounds full, cosy and very joyful.
Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday time. 🎄✨
Christine