What makes Christmas for you?

Merry Christmas from New Zealand! This year it was hot and humid.  Definitely no snow except the white stuff visible high on the peaks of the alps as we flew in on Christmas eve.  No mistletoe, no chestnuts, no open fires, no sleighs or sleigh bells or snowmen.

There was a tree, lights, roast turkey, Christmas pudding and presents under the tree.  There were carols at a midnight church service with candles and a nativity scene.  And most memorable of all there was family; grandparents, uncles, aunties and cousins. 

Christmas with family is an uncommon pleasure for us.  Like many expats we have often been far from family at Christmas. 

We have celebrated Christmas in China (where we did experience snow!) and many times now in Australia (where we have had forty degree heat!).  With different menus, different people and different spiritual and community celebrations.  So what makes it special and what makes it Christmas?

It was a question we asked in the cultural intelligence collective webinar in December as two experienced expats discussed their cultural celebrations and their experiences of taking those celebrations around the world. 

Rachel Yates shared her with us her wise practice of actively exploring “what makes it special?” with family members. And from those discussions building a meaningful Christmas that was more portable and less location dependent for their family. 

Have you considered what makes a celebration special for you?  What do you really need for Christmas to be Christmas?  What was Christmas like for you this year?

I would love to hear in the comments below.