[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]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\u2019t matter, as long as we are fortunate enough to live in peace. Kisses, hugs, more kisses, and tight embraces\u2014the kind that say: “I haven\u2019t seen you since last year, and I\u2019ve missed you.” An impulsive yet heartfelt “I love you.” Jokes, smiles, and endearing silliness shared with family and friends who are like family.<\/p>\n
However, it\u2019s 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\u2014a deeper reason for why we behave this way during these days.<\/p>\n
Perhaps it\u2019s because I\u2019ve come to realise that everything changes. I\u2019ve accepted that nothing lasts forever, that what exists today may not be tomorrow, and what once was is no longer. You understand, don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
If only. If only life weren\u2019t 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\u2019t 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\u2014even if it meant cheating. But no. With the maturity that time brings, we know it won\u2019t happen. No matter how hard it is to admit, some moments will never return, and sometimes life will never be as it once was.<\/p>\n
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\u2014as if time itself is hesitant to pass, tiptoeing to avoid disturbing the present.<\/p>\n
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\u2014one of those genuine, heartfelt hugs\u2014is 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.<\/p>\n
Yes, it\u2019s Christmas. And I hope this will be a Merry Christmas\u2014a Merry Christmas for everyone.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Christmas is a time for heartfelt reunions, shared laughter, and cherished traditions around a table filled with love and warmth. It\u2019s more than decorative lights, adorned trees, and the flurry of gifts\u2014it\u2019s about connection, gratitude, and reflection.<\/p>\n
Amid the joy, there\u2019s space for nostalgia, as we remember those no longer with us, their absence felt but their love enduring. Life\u2019s fleeting nature teaches us to treasure the present\u2014the laughter of family, the comfort of a warm embrace, and the simple pleasure of a spiced tea or rich hot chocolate on a winter\u2019s day.<\/p>\n
This season, let\u2019s celebrate not just what is, but the love and memories that make it special. Wishing you a heartfelt and truly Merry Christmas.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":6475,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[67],"tags":[235,237,232,233,236,238,230,145,239,229,231,234],"class_list":["post-6482","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-editors-letter-en","tag-christmas","tag-christmas-cards","tag-christmas-celebrations","tag-christmas-messages","tag-christmas-nostalgia","tag-christmas-reflection","tag-christmas-spirit","tag-cristina-redondo-en","tag-family-traditions","tag-family-warmth","tag-merry-christmas","tag-shared-moments"],"yoast_head":"\n