“So this is Christmas
And what have you done
Another year over
A new one just begun

And so this is Christmas
I hope you have fun
The near and the dear ones
The old and the young

A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let’s hope it’s a good one
Without any fears”

I can’t believe its few days from Christmas and 2020 is almost finally over. Do I think, come 1st January 2021, that everything will magically change? No I don’t. It has been so sad to follow the news around the world of so many countries in total lockdown, families and friends not able to spend this time together. And my heart goes out to those people who are alone because of one reason or the other. I cannot fathom the sadness of having to spend the day alone for Christmas or during the holidays. I am lucky of being able to live in Dubai, where everything is pretty much back to normal. I might get sun instead of snow, but that is not what really matters now.

Christmas is such a special time of the year, and often I wonder why Christmas isn’t every day of the year. I truly feel that the spirit of Christmas would be a life-saver for the world, if only we would feel and act the same way, all 365 days a year. Christmas makes us better. We think of others more, we spend more time with loved ones, we take time to find the perfect gift to make others happy, we become kids again, and most important of all, we slow down and reflect on what really matters in life. We become more selfless, and embrace the spirit of giving, family, friendship and love.

This year I have decided to read only Christmas novels during December and it was so uplifting. I know they are fiction based stories, but each and every book I read was so inspiring and descriptive, that I would feel myself immersed in a winter wonderland, full of magic and snow. Through every page, I could feel the writers reflect the spirit of Christmas and focus on what’s really important. Challenges will always find their way into our lives, but everything can be overcome if you have people around you that truly care. Reading these books was the best decision ever, and I think it just became my new tradition. ( I have already so many titles lined up for next December – if it wasn’t for my very long TBR list and overflowing book shelf, I would probably be reading one Christmas novel a month! ).

I only have one wish for Christmas, and that is for everything to get back to “normal”, with health for all, everyone with a job and security to be able to provide for themselves and loved ones, freedom to travel, connect and discover, freedom to be who they want to be and be with whomever they want to be with.

I did a small game the other day. It was a scramble of words and you were supposed to write down the first 4 words that was attracting your attention. And those 4 words would represent your pillars for 2021. I got: change, strength, gratitude and connection. I love these words, I think they can represent me and my journey well. Let’s see if this will be the case over the course of the year to come.

Stay safe everyone, try to enjoy the holidays as much as you can, and try to make it Christmas every day: the world will be a better place for it.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!