A Christmas Postcard
Merry Christmas and a very happy holiday season to all my readers! My holiday season has been filled with Christmas traditions that brought comfort, joy, and nostalgia.
Last Wednesday evening, as the summer sun adorned the sky with crimson and amber, I got back from work, glowing with holiday cheer. With excitement bubbling over, I rummaged through my wardrobe to find my Christmas gear–snowman earrings, a reindeer headband, and, of course, my favourite ugly Christmas sweater. After an hour of digging through my woolly scarves and forgotten knits, I finally unearthed it: a red and green knitted sweater with a patchwork of contrasting colours–blue, red, and white, and jingling bells. 30°C Aussie heat is not the time for sweaters, but no matter how ridiculous, traditions are traditions, especially good ones like ugly Christmas sweaters that warm your heart.
The Christmas tradition of ugly Christmas sweaters began in the chilly Northern Hemisphere in the post-war era. Amid peak winters, these cozy, hand-knitted woollens became a staple for comfort. Soon after, as new fashion trends evolved, the sweaters started appearing with bolder designs and festive patterns, with snowflakes, Christmas trees, sequins, and glitter. Though affectionately called ‘ugly’ for their appearance, the sweaters have been about warmth, literally and emotionally. With the advent of social media, this tradition has spread across the globe, turning these once-humble garments into holiday icons.
A Christmas postcard from my family to yours—wishing you joy, love, and holiday cheer!
This year, my Christmas season has also been graced with another beloved tradition: the Christmas Hallmark movie marathon. Over the past month, I have indulged in 34 of them—yes, 34! Each night, I would tuck myself into bed, ready for the next watch. Cocooned in blankets with a hot cup of cocoa, I would dive into the tales of Prince Charming finding his way back to his hometown and rediscovering love or a small-town baker saving her community. Many of the plots were undeniably cheesy and full of clichés, with some so bad that they were good. Yet despite their absurdities, they reminded me of simpler times–about dreams lost along the way and the things that truly matter: passion, love, family, food, hot cocoa, kindness, and giving. The movies felt like a warm, nostalgic hug at the end of the long day.
I also revisited some old favourites–The Holiday, Love Actually, That Christmas, Home Alone, and How The Grinch Stole Christmas. As I watched the Grinch’s green fingers steal Christmas from Whoville, the movie evoked a bittersweet feeling, blending joy with a pang of sadness. The movie served as a poignant reminder that even though it’s Christmastime, the world remains full of uncertainties, and loneliness often lingers. In the days that followed, over cups of hot cocoa, I found myself reflecting on another line from the movie That Christmas: ‘Christmas is a bit like an emotional magnifying glass’. How true that is! The holiday season magnifies whatever we feel: the joy becomes euphoria, but loss feels heavier and sharper. For some, it’s a time of warmth and celebration; for others, it can be a stark reminder of loss, isolation, or uncertainty–of that empty chair beside a glistening Christmas tree, or the empty plates with no turkey. Perhaps this magnification invites us to look more closely, be more grateful, give more generously, savour happiness, acknowledge grief, and connect with others.
Now that we have taken a moment to reflect, why not embody the true spirit of Christmas? Let’s strive to be brighter, more compassionate, more cheerful, and forgiving versions of ourselves. How about becoming a wonderful, beautiful, and bright Christmas sweater for the people around us? Let’s keep it simple, perhaps a single act of kindness—an unexpected call, a warm smile, a holiday card for the lonely neighbour. Why not let Christmas be more than a fleeting moment? Let’s start today and keep the Christmas cheer alive all year long.
So, this holiday season, don your brightest Christmas sweater, steal a kiss under the mistletoe, bake gingerbread, sip some hot cocoa, and lose yourself in the magic of Christmas movies. Whatever you do, let it be full of joy, warmth, and generosity. Have an absolutely fantabulous holiday season as ‘It’s the most wonderful time of the year’!