Buon Natale, Merry Christmas!
I love Christmas. It’s by far my favourite holiday of the season because there is a certain magical feeling in the air that can’t be explained. It’s a holiday rich with traditions and quality time with your loved ones. I am always filled with excitement as Christmas approaches. I love Christmas shopping for family and friends and walking around the shops decorated (even if exaggerated) in Christmas décor. The lights hung over the streets in the city centre really add to the Christmas atmosphere.
Then it hit me; a sadness. I wasn’t going to see my family this Christmas. I didn’t think it would bother me as much as it has. I have just come back from spending the summer in Toronto. But, being away from family during the Christmas season is hard for anyone. The first Christmas I spent in Italy after moving was difficult mainly because my family here doesn’t have the crazy and silly traditions we have with my family in Canada. The following Christmas I needed to be with my family in Canada. I needed those traditions because they are what make Christmas so special to me. So, I booked a flight and headed home for the Christmas holidays. This year, I decided to approach Christmas with new eyes. I need to accept that Christmas here is and will never be like Christmas in Canada. I need to start my own traditions here. And so, with that new perspective, I talked to my roommates about putting up a Christmas tree in our apartment. It was such a wonderful weekend when we put up and decorated the tree together. In the evenings, as we sit around the TV with the Christmas tree lights twinkling, it makes me feel warm with the Christmas spirit.
Wherever you are this Christmas, I wish you a very joyful festive season.
