a slow christmas: from annika

Every year, winter sweeps in with that unmistakable festive feeling—the crisp air, the soft glow of lights, the anticipation of the holidays. It’s a season of warmth wrapped in sweater layers, the sparkle of ornaments, and the quiet moments of reflection as the year comes to a close. But no matter how much changes in my life, one thing remains constant: nothing feels better than Christmas at home with the people I love. It’s a feeling that is comforting—a lesson in what truly matters.

There’s something about winter that forces me (and maybe you!) to slow down. The days are shorter, the nights are colder, and the world feels just a little quieter. It’s a season that encourages me to draw inward, to cozy up with people I love, and to appreciate the little things—a cup of hot chocolate, the flicker of a candle, or the sound of laughter echoing through the house. And then comes Christmas, the heart of it all, a day that reminds me year after year why I cherish this time so deeply.

It’s not about the gifts, although I love the thoughtfulness behind them. It’s about the feeling of being surrounded by love. It’s waking up to the smell of something delicious cooking in the kitchen, sitting around the tree with my family, and trading stories that make us laugh until we cry. It’s seeing my younger sister’s excitement over her presents or simply sharing a quiet moment watching snow fall outside the window. It’s a time that feels like a deep exhale, a moment of peace in a busy world.

Every Christmas, I’m reminded that the festive feeling we all crave doesn’t come from extravagant plans or perfect decorations. It comes from the people who make us feel at home, who remind us that life is best lived in connection with others. And that’s the lesson winter quietly teaches us if we let it: no matter where we are or how much changes, what matters most is who we’re with.

As the season approaches, I hope you find that same warmth in your own home. Whether it’s through sharing meals, wrapping presents, or simply sitting together in the glow of the tree, these are the moments that stay with us long after the decorations come down. Winter may bring the cold, but it’s also the season that shows us how much warmth we carry within us—and how much we’re capable of sharing.

That’s all to say that I hope you have a very Merry Christmas, a season as magical as you make it!

With much holiday love,

Annika