Calm Joy

Hello Fellow AloneTogetherers! 🙂

I’m writing in really high spirits which is exceptional, because I dare say, I have never felt so good on Xmas! On the contrary, in the past this might have been

some of the lowest points of the year! But this Christmas turned out the way I dreamt in my childhood: peaceful, calm and jolly, and in a wonderful company!!

With my family (mostly mum and brother back then) there was always some tension, drama and so much anxiety in my body. Then I decided to be alone for Christmas for many years because I really wanted to experience peace and quiet, and I realized how good it felt. I was sometimes also cat sitting during the holidays, and those little furry creatures really put a smile on my face while trying to eat the ornaments, plus I didn’t feel alone.

I just remember how much I always loved the scent of a xmas tree and sometimes even slept under it waking up to the branches above me, with decorations hanging from them. (The tree was on a chair and I slept on the floor on a mattress:) I also really love listening to classical music and Christmas carols (especially King’s College Choir, even though I’m not religious). They add to the peaceful yet festive vibes. I also have to admit that I love a good duck roast, even though I really care about animals and don’t support cruelty towards them at all. Same goes for the pine trees, I’d never choose to buy a cut down tree anymore, just either a small one in a pot, which could be planted out in the garden afterwards, or just a few branches for the lovely scent and the festive decor.

So what made my Christmas so lovely this year? That I spent the 24th with two friends from the Purifications Space who are the kindest, calmest, most polite yet fun gentlemen I’ve ever known. It’s been a true gift! In the morning we went to a small artsy town by the river to look at the old architecture, feel the festive vibes outside of the capital and sit in a cozy cafe with a piece of cake and a hot drink. I feel such warmth even just writing about it. 😊

Then we headed back to the city for a surprise location to have xmas dinner: a beautiful, lovely apartment as a courtesy of another Purification Space friend who flew out for the holidays. We pre-ordered tasty fish soup, stuffed cabbage and duck confit with potato puree and purple cabbage (the traditional xmas meals of this country) and enjoyed the local pastries for dessert with walnut and poppy seed fillings together with special chocolate pralines. Everything was so yummy!

Then we sat on the couch listening to carols from different cultures and other lovely, calm pieces of music. My favourite was listening to French chansons that one of my friends was singing to (he has such a beautiful, deep voice), I just love how the French language sounds! We had another cup of cocoa and desserts, pine tree branches around us decorated with fruit and some shiny ornaments. After my friends took a cab back to their hotel I was reading and sending xmas messages to dear friends which also made my heart full. I feel super blessed to have some of the kindest people in my life!

Luckily we couldn’t finish all the Christmas eve food so my friends will be back this afternoon for Christmas lunch, some more dessert and French songs, too!

😄 Then we will walk in the festive Castle area for the blue hour and the night fall, enjoying the view of the city, the bridges and river from the hilltop! Tomorrow (26th) I’m also planning to visit another Purification Space friend and say goodbye to the ones who celebrated with me before they travel back to the countryside.

What more can I ask for?

Happy Holidays to everyone!