I’ve never been a fan of winter or snow, at least not in the last few years or so. I tend to enjoy the sunshine and the light summer breeze on my skin more than the bitter cold winter weather that ensures that walking to the closest bus stop can be rather painful and eventful. Besides the fact that it’s cold, Helsinki hasn’t had this much snow since 1915! Every commute to work or home feels like a struggle, when everyone is fighting their way through the heaps and heaps of snow. A big dislike, if I may.
Nevertheless, I’ve found myself nesting while all of this has been happening outside my home. It’s felt good digging out the Christmas lights, baking gingerbread cookies and listening to familiar X-mas tunes. I’ve burnt loads of candles, wrapped up gifts and cuddled up in warm blankets. I don’t know if it is because I’m in a rather stable place in my life right now, but I’ve felt really calm this time preparing for Christmas. Although I sometimes feel stressed about the amount of things I have planned to do and the amount of people I have planned to see before Christmas, weekends and weeknights have been sort of weirdly calm and relaxing. A glass of red wine here and there, kisses and hugs, good moments at the sofa. The apartment feels more and more like home, perhaps due to the fact that it’s our first Christmas there.
It’s a weird sensation I’ve been having lately, that has, perhaps, something to do with the calmness and the peacefulness I’ve felt: just the sight of his face, the big and safe arms around me, the smily eyes, the love. That’s the best Christmas gift right there.
