Calls that come from afar, yet reside in the heart all year round. Longed-for, anticipated, and cherished reunions. Always gathered around a table laden with food, gifts, and cultural traditions. The location doesn’t matter, as long as we are fortunate enough to live in peace. Kisses, hugs, more kisses, and tight embraces—the kind that say: “I haven’t seen you since last year, and I’ve missed you.” An impulsive yet heartfelt “I love you.” Jokes, smiles, and endearing silliness shared with family and friends who are like family.

However, it’s not always the same. For the past couple of years, perhaps a bit longer, Christmas has become a time of reflection for me. Days of feeling beyond the decorative lights, nativity scenes, and trees adorned with colourful baubles and twinkling lights. Beyond the rampant consumerism that sweeps us away, the text messages, and the viral WhatsApp greetings. I like to think there is something more behind it all—a deeper reason for why we behave this way during these days.

Perhaps it’s because I’ve come to realise that everything changes. I’ve accepted that nothing lasts forever, that what exists today may not be tomorrow, and what once was is no longer. You understand, don’t you? Those empty chairs. Those absences we carry silently, impossible to conceal behind a sad gaze. Yet, gratitude and love for those who once occupied those places fill us with nostalgia. Nostalgia for those days, those shared moments, those lived instants.

If only. If only life weren’t like this. If only there could be one more call, one last dinner, one more moment to say all the kind words left unsaid. But we know it won’t be. And that thought runs through us like a shiver, a bitter anger, because we know that life is, at times, unkind. If only there were an ace up the sleeve, one final hand of poker as a gift—even if it meant cheating. But no. With the maturity that time brings, we know it won’t happen. No matter how hard it is to admit, some moments will never return, and sometimes life will never be as it once was.

Winter arrived just a few days ago. The cold outside is sharp and biting, a stark contrast to the warmth within, which is felt, appreciated, and embraced. Today, the sea roars with intensity, and the wind hums in harmony with the waves. Everything moves quickly, yet at moments, it feels slower—as if time itself is hesitant to pass, tiptoeing to avoid disturbing the present.

Suddenly, a hot mug of soup offers comfort. So does a spiced black tea with forest honey or a rich, aromatic hot chocolate. And, of course, one more embrace—one of those genuine, heartfelt hugs—is always welcome. These days of reflection bring a sense of calm. A calm found in the intimacy of what is close, what is familiar, what is expected, what still remains.

Yes, it’s Christmas. And I hope this will be a Merry Christmas—a Merry Christmas for everyone.