Christmas Magic: How I have celebrated the Holidays over the years

Christmas is always a magical time of year for me. It is the period when everything seems to come together: fun, memories and of course, spending time with the people you love. This year is no exception, but you will read more about the details of our Christmas this year. In this blog I share the special moments I have experienced in recent years and why Christmas is always so special.

Christmas memories that I cherish

For me, Christmas is not about the hustle and bustle or the gifts, but about the moments we can experience together. Take for example last year, when we celebrated Christmas at Disneyland Paris. We stayed at the Davey Crockett Ranch, where we took in the magic of the park every day and shared a special meal every evening. From Agrabah's restaurant to Pim Kitchen and Billy Bob's - these were all moments we will not soon forget. The great thing about this holiday was not only the adventure in Disneyland, but also the ease of traveling with our electric Cupra, which did a great job of charging at the charging points along the way.

In 2019, I celebrated Christmas in Tokyo with my husband, when I was 25 weeks pregnant with our eldest son. It was a special experience, not least because we discovered the Japanese way of celebrating Christmas. We couldn't ignore the magic at Disneyland Tokyo either, but the real highlight was New Year's Eve. We stood at a temple in the shadow of the Tokyo Tower, surrounded by the smell of yaki soba, as we welcomed the new year. And on January 2, we had the special opportunity to see the Emperor of Japan – an experience I will never forget. And that was also unique, because it was the last year of that emperor, Emperor Akihito.

But the Christmas periods when I was younger at my parents' home are also fond memories. In the beginning with grandfathers and grandmothers, when they were no longer there with other family members. Later on, in-laws arrived, and every Christmas had something to offer. And later with corona when we couldn't do anything, but we could visit our families. All beautiful memories.

Christmas: The power of being together

What makes Christmas so special for me is not only the place where you celebrate it, but especially the people you share it with. Whether in a faraway country or at home, Christmas is all about being together. It's the little things that make Christmas so special:  sharing stories and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

This year we celebrate Christmas with our own family, but it's all about those same moments of peace and connection. What I also appreciate this year is the opportunity to see Christmas through the eyes of our children again. The wonders of the holidays, the joyful faces of the children when they see the Christmas tree, the joy of eating together – it is those moments that really bring the magic of Christmas to life.

Christmas, a time for reflection

Christmas is also a time for me to reflect on everything I have achieved in all areas over the past year. I look back on an eventful year and am grateful for the opportunity to learn new things and make beautiful memories this year. But Christmas is also a time for looking ahead. What do we want to do next year? What can we improve, both in our personal lives and in our work?

With the holidays just around the corner, I'm looking forward to starting 2025 with new goals, fresh energy and even more wonderful moments together with my family.

You too?

However you celebrate Christmas, I hope it is a time when you can spend time with the people you love. Whether you are at home, on holiday or elsewhere – Christmas is an opportunity to pause, enjoy and create new memories. I wish you a magical Christmas full of love, fun and moments that you will cherish forever.