The Christmas Awakening: My First Real Christmas

I didn’t grow up in a place where Christmas was a thing.

Where I come from, festivals are serious business. Every celebration comes with a backstory, strict rules, and at least one elder making sure you didn’t mess it up. Christmas existed, sure — but quietly. A date on the calendar. Not something you counted down to or built excitement around.

Then I moved.

And suddenly, Christmas was everywhere. In stores. In playlists. In group chats. In offices — where people start counting down days like it’s the final level of a video game. Even at office Christmas parties, I was the odd one out. I still remember losing a Christmas Jeopardy game so badly. It was embarrassing. I did not leave a very good first impression. I’m pretty sure that’s when my manager started silently judging me — like, come on, how do you not know Rudolph’s full name? Turns out knowing random holidays from my childhood does not prepare you for reindeer trivia, holiday movies, or aggressively festive coworkers.

At first, I was confused.
Then curious.
Now? Slightly invested.

Yes, Christmas is rooted in religion — absolutely. But for most of us today, its real meaning feels much simpler: time off, decorations, and permission to slow down without guilt. It’s the season where doing nothing is not only allowed, it’s encouraged. Christmas feels less like a ritual and more like a vibe. A cozy, low-pressure vibe.

For years, I watched it from the sidelines. I admired the lights, nodded through conversations about trees and gift lists, and felt oddly proud of myself for not getting pulled into the madness. No tree. No traditions. No emotional investment.

Because I have a curious mind — and zero hesitation asking awkward questions — I started asking people what actually happens on Christmas. I asked my Christian friends. My not-so-Christian friends. Is there a prayer? A "pooja"(prayer) moment? Something serious and ceremonial? I was expecting a long explanation. Instead, everyone said the same thing: we eat. Mostly turkey. A heroic, borderline spiritual amount of turkey.

And then… something changed.

This year, I didn’t just think about getting a Christmas tree — I actually got one. The height is perfect for my tiny apartment, which now looks way cozier than usual. Ever since the tree went up, people have started inviting themselves over. One Snapchat later, and it was all, “Oh wow, that looks nice,” followed immediately by, “So… when are we coming?” Same apartment, same couch — apparently the tree did all the work.

Christmas also started showing up in smaller, funnier ways. Catching myself humming “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” in a store — loudly — then pretending I absolutely was not. Noticing decorated streets and actually enjoying them, and leaning into office Secret Santa gossip, mostly to see if free snacks would be involved.

Of course, Christmas is meant to be with family — that part doesn’t change. But when you’re in a foreign country, it also becomes something else. It gives you something to look forward to during those quiet, gloomy days when everyone around you is busy with their families. When friends disappear into holiday plans, and the city slows down, Christmas quietly shows up as a small anchor — a reason to pause, light up your space, and not let the loneliness win. It doesn’t replace family, but it softens the distance. And sometimes, that’s more than enough.

This year, I’m just here for it. Sitting by my tree, letting the lights glow, listening to music I only half-know, binge- watching Harry Potter movies, and quietly noticing how even small things can lift your mood. Somehow, it makes the days feel lighter, calmer, and a little brighter.

So, to anyone reading this — especially if this season feels heavy or lonely —

Merry Christmas 🎄
May this season give you little pockets of peace, moments that make you smile, and the quiet strength to get through the tough days. Even in small ways, may you find warmth, hope, and a reason to feel a little lighter.

Cheers!!