Remember when Christmas truly did feel magical? There’s nothing like that nervous excitement we felt as kids on Christmas Eve. But somewhere along the way I started feeling more nervous than excited, and I realized that holiday magic also has a dark side. I mean my goodness, having the most wonderful time of the year is a lot of pressure!
Two years ago I spent Christmas alone for the first time. I had just broken up with my boyfriend and moved to a new town where I didn’t yet know anyone. Now I’d love to say that as much as I dreaded the depression (and shame!) of spending the holidays alone, I ended up having the best Christmas ever. It wasn’t the best Christmas ever. But it was a perfectly fine day. In fact I can’t even really remember it? I know I Skyped with some friends, but otherwise I guess it wasn’t particularly memorable.
Except that is something I hope I will always remember.
Yes, the holidays are a wonderful time to gather with loved ones in celebration, but sometimes we might not have much to celebrate or anyone to gather with, and that’s completely fine too. I feel like my Christmas alone freed me from some of the pressure I always put on myself during the holidays and I guess I’m hoping that this year’s pandemic holiday season might do the same for more people.
This is all to say that I hope you’ve been enjoying my Christmas videos from Norway, but I also want to stress that I’ve mostly been creating them for my own mental health, because this time of year isn’t just the beautiful lights and holiday baking I’ve been posting about. For me Vlogmas has been a wonderful reminder that I can make even the most everyday days at least a little bit festive, and a little festivity is sometimes more than enough.
Anyway, I hope you are having a wonderful or forgettable week wherever you are. And it really does mean so much to me that you’ve taken the time to visit my blog, so know that you’ve spread some joy today!
And if you are feeling down, I can always recommend going for a freezing cold dip in the sea (or shower!).
Karol J Rust says
Thank-you for sharing your Vlogmas videos!! I have really enjoyed them-especially the Advent surprises and the delicious recipes shared!!
Nynke says
Wow, two years already! Time really flies… And yes, I know that that’s basically what I said on YouTube yesterday about the past 21 days :).
I didn’t grow up with the idea of Christmas as the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, but I love the point you make about healthy expectations. I’ve always liked having fun with little things, but this year it really is more important than ever before in my lifetime! And you’ve been doing a really great job of promoting it. Merry Christmas!
Ask The Dutch Guy says
Thanks for sharing your Christmas experience. I enjoy reading this one! I also love your image. So beautiful!
Tim says
It’s easy to get caught up in the traditional ways of Christmas, these days l think we are lucky in mostly being able to choose how we spend the time. Wasn’t always so easy.
I’ve spent many Christmases alone and it doesnt much bother me, I always feel a sense of relief in not being weighed down by the cost, or effort, or expectations or any other part of it. But others love it all and that’s fine. Ultimately it’s just another day or week or month and we all find our way to make the best of it.
I enjoyed seeing how Tromso and the North look at this time of year so thanks for the vids. A bit relief from the gloom cast by Covid and Brexit ! Always good to reminded of the world out that is still out there.
Godt nytt år !