As the holiday season approaches, many of us reflect on cherished memories and traditions. This time of year can evoke profound feelings of nostalgia and warmth, reminding us of the special moments we’ve shared with loved ones.
Growing up, my grandfather and I shared a delightful tradition of reading Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” every Christmas. This beloved story will always hold a special place in my heart.
When we’re young, we often overlook how precious certain moments are, not realizing their true value until they fade away. Although I adore Christmas, the spirit has changed for me since relocating to the United States. My grandmother ensured we honored cherished traditions, and being far apart has altered that experience.
My perspective has shifted over the years, to the point where I couldn’t imagine upholding some of the old practices, like keeping a live carp in a tub to prepare for Christmas Eve dinner.
For many years, I’ve sought to recapture that exhilarating Christmas spirit, hoping to feel the thrill I experienced as December 24th drew near. I doubt I’ll achieve this feeling until my family reunites fully, but Christmas remains one of my favorite times of year. What better way to embrace the festive atmosphere than by watching beloved holiday films?
A Christmas Carol (1984) ranks among my all-time favorites, mainly for its nostalgic allure. When I watch it, I can easily imagine myself as a child on the living room floor of my grandparents’ home, sharing the moment with my sister while snacking on oranges and sneaking off to the kitchen to help our grandma. Occasionally, we would check on our grandpa in the garage, where he always kept a hidden stash of sweets. He would hand us handfuls of candy while whispering, “Just don’t tell your grandmother, or I’ll be in trouble!” Another timeless classic is It’s a Wonderful Life , which is equally reflective and heartwarming.
Our Christmas wouldn’t be complete without watching Love Actually. I only discovered it three years ago, but it quickly became a holiday staple for me. It perfectly balances humor, heartache, and coziness. This year, however, it felt particularly poignant after the loss of the talented Alan Rickman, making me appreciate the film even more.
Besides enjoying films, preparing favorite holiday dishes lifts my spirits as well. The aroma and warmth that permeate the house during holiday cooking are truly irreplaceable, surpassing even the scent of a sugar cookie candle.
Given the struggles taking place around the world, particularly in Aleppo, it can be challenging to feel peace during this season. Recently, while grocery shopping, surrounded by aisles filled with sweets and delighted children, I found it hard to reconcile my peaceful life with the suffering many children endure. If you can, please consider donating to organizations like UNICEF and keep those who are suffering in your prayers. Perhaps there’s someone in your community needing assistance or a loved one you haven’t spoken to recently due to a disagreement. I believe that giving is what truly makes this season special—whether it’s providing a meal for someone in need, offering a helping hand, or reconnecting with someone you care about.
Wishing you all a holiday filled with love and peace. Remember, even when things don’t unfold as we wish, we can feel loneliness or sadness, and life appears unfair at times, there is always so much to be grateful for.
