And just like that… the holiday season approaches. Another year has gone, with its highs and lows, its lessons, and all its triumphs.
As I sit here, suitcase packed, ready to fly home for the holidays, I can’t help but joyously hum the nostalgic tune of “Driving Home for Christmas” by Chris Rea.
The lyrics, whilst simple, always resonate deeply with this time of year, with memories of past holiday celebrations, the embrace of familiar traditions, and the smell of cookies floating through the air.
To tell you the truth, it’s been a tough year for me—and I think for many of us. Life has thrown its challenges and tested our resilience, but still, there’s something about the holiday season that feels like the first snow, blanketing sunny peaks after a cold and dark autumn.
Like every year, there’s something magical about Christmas and the idea of a ‘fresh start’ as we roll into the new year.
It’s all about the sparkle of decorations lighting up cities and shop windows. It’s the crispness in the air where little kids start pretending they’re dragons with their warm breath, mingled with the scent of pine trees and spiced candles all around stores and cafes downtown. And it’s the sound of carollers singing age-old tunes with the nostalgia of childhood memories that still make us smile.
Think of the simple joys: holiday movie marathons, handwritten Christmas cards arriving in the mail, and the endless stream of festive songs. Though small, these traditions create a holiday season that feels bigger, more meaningful, and more special than all its little pieces put together. They create a sense of connection, joy, and even romance — not necessarily in the Hallmark sense, but in the way they inspire us to see the world through a softer, more hopeful lens. It also becomes the season of giving and donating.
Some might argue that romanticising Christmas is a way of ignoring reality, but I disagree. In a world that often feels rushed, chaotic, and overwhelming, the holidays give us permission to slow down and celebrate what truly matters. By soaking up the holiday magic, we can feel like children again, enjoy time with loved ones, and find comfort in both old and new traditions.
The idea of romanticising life originates from a philosophy rooted in the Romantic movement of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Romanticism emphasised emotion, imagination, and the beauty in the everyday. In modern times, the practice of romanticising life — seeing ordinary moments as extraordinary — has gained popularity as a way to improve mental health. Studies have shown that adopting this mindset can help individuals shift focus away from life’s stresses and cultivate gratitude for small joys, boosting emotional well-being. When we romanticise something as simple as a walk in the park or decorating for the holidays, we allow ourselves to create positive experiences and memories, even amidst life’s challenges.
When looking at it in more detail, recent research suggests that cultivating positive emotions and a mindful appreciation of small pleasures, such as a morning coffee or a sunset, can boost one’s mental health by increasing life satisfaction and reducing stress. Romanticising life involves reframing our daily activities to highlight their emotional or aesthetic value, creating a sense of purpose and joy even in the most mundane routines. This approach aligns with studies indicating that focusing on positive experiences contributes to life satisfaction, which can act as a protective factor for mental health, especially in adolescents and young adults.
Equally, the practice of intentionally finding meaning or beauty can help counteract negative thought patterns, providing a sense of calm during stressful times. For example, research on the connection between life satisfaction and mental health shows that viewing life through a positive lens strengthens emotional resilience and can reduce feelings of depression and anxiety. Therefore, by embracing the art of romanticising daily life, we can foster a healthier outlook, making it easier to cope with challenges while appreciating the joys of the present moment.
And romanticising the holiday season doesn’t mean pretending life is perfect. Rather, it’s about finding joy in the imperfections: the slightly burnt cookies that still taste amazing, the mismatched ornaments on the tree, and the last-minute gifts that were wrapped a little wonky but with love. It’s about cherishing the moments that make us smile and leaning into the nostalgia that makes this season so special.
That’s why “Driving Home for Christmas” is such a timeless anthem for this season. It doesn’t try to be flashy or overly poetic, instead, it’s simple and heartfelt.
“It’s gonna take some time, but I’ll get there,” Rea sings. So, whether you’re actually travelling or just catching up with friends and family over a call, the holidays remind us that coming home isn’t always about a physical place. Sometimes, it’s about being with the people who make your heart and brain feel at ease.
As we step into this holiday season, let’s hold onto that magic. Let’s enjoy the small things, embrace our traditions, and look forward to the new year. After all, Christmas isn’t just a date on the calendar; it’s a feeling. It reminds us that even after tough years, there’s beauty in simply coming home.
So, dear reader, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
Thank you for your continuous support over the last few years, and we hope to see you again at the start of 2025!