It Didn’t Feel Like Christmas: A 2024 Reflection
Hey friends,
Welcome back to Morning Coffee! How are you doing? I know for a lot of us, this year has been one of the toughest, and Christmas didn’t quite feel like it usually does. It’s been one of those years, hasn’t it? With everything happening in the world, the weight of it all can be overwhelming.
So let’s have a chat about why my Christmas 2024 didn’t feel the same, and how we still found the joy in what we had. Grab yourself a cuppa, this one's going to be real.
A Year Full of Challenges
Honestly, I think so many of us are still trying to get our bearings after everything that’s been happening. Whether it’s inflation through the roof, job stress, or just trying to figure out how to pay for all the basics, it’s been tough, and I’m not just talking financially.
It's all sorts of loss! Loss of jobs, loss of family connection, even the loss of someone close to you. We've had marriages, relationships, friendships, and even family relationships that have come to an end. For many, the holidays are just another reminder of the gaps left by these struggles. I know it hasn’t been easy for any of us.
Even in my own life, I’ve had moments where I just paused and thought, “Is this really what life has come to?” “ Am I living to pay bloody bills!?” I've always believed that as long as we have a steady somewhat high paying job, we're set. But the reality is that people, myself included are still living from paycheque to paycheque even with a somewhat high paying job. It's tough when something as small as a typical grocery shop feels like a strategic mission. And then there are the changes at places like Tesco (you’ll see where I’m going with this...) that make you realise how far we’ve fallen. Literally into the pits of hell! I can laugh at this now, but I wasn’t laughing at the time.
Tesco Eggs: A Moment of Realisation
You know, sometimes it’s the little things that really b***h slap you in the face. So, a week ago I went into Tesco (the superstore one not express) to pick up my usual 15 eggs. Now, I know, eggs are eggs, right? But here’s the thing! They used to sell 15 eggs around November for about £1.45. I walked in, went to grab them before Christmas and BAM, the pack has shrunk to 10 eggs for over £2. That’s when I thought, “Okay, what the entire f**k is going on here!”
I’m the first to have to protest when things are getting a bit out of hand, so I headed straight to the manager. Because the extortion was practically burning my eyes! And I just thought, "Really? You lot think we won’t notice this?" Honestly, it felt like the absolute audacity of these companies, and that's when it hit me when the manager said “I apologise but unfortunately I don’t make the prices” Everything is shifting, and not for the better. This is life right now, whether we like it or not.
Christmas This Year: Just Me, My Mum, and My Daughter
This Christmas was one of the quietest in a while. The rest of my family weren’t around, so it was just me, my daughter, and my mum. It felt different maybe that’s the only way I can explain it. There was no huge family dinner, no big gathering, and honestly, that Christmas magic was hard to find this year.
But the best thing was, my daughter didn’t care. She loved her all gifts, and honestly, seeing her happy was more than enough for me. Sometimes it’s those simple things that remind you what truly matters. It didn’t matter that it wasn’t “perfect.” We made the best of it, and honestly, I wouldn’t change that. Christmas doesn't have to be massive to feel special.
Trying Something New: Indian Lunch for Christmas
We usually stick to tradition when it comes to Christmas dinner, as I’m Caribbean ( Bajan Jamaican) but this year, because we didn’t have the usual suspects around (haha!), we decided to try something completely different and head out to have Indian food at a lovely restaurant.
Honestly, I didn’t know how my daughter would feel about it because it was her first time trying it. But she loved it! We had a lovely Christmas lunch, sat down together, and honestly, it made everything feel a little lighter. Maybe it was the new experience, even though I’ve had Indian food many times but it made me realise that traditions can change. And sometimes, that’s a good thing.
The Strange Christmas Day Vibe
Now, something I noticed this Christmas that really threw me off was how busy the streets were. Normally, Christmas Day is peaceful, quiet streets, everyone tucked away at home, or off visiting family. This year, though, kids were out riding bikes, people were taking walks, climbing trees (seeing a grown adult climbing a tree was odd as hell). There was something strange about it. It almost felt like any other day, and that’s not something I’ve ever experienced on Christmas.
It made me realise that maybe people just can’t afford the big celebrations anymore. They’ve adjusted, like the rest of us have, finding ways to celebrate even when things are different. People are just out, getting fresh air, maybe making the most of what they have left, whether it’s financially, emotionally, or physically. It’s a strange thing to witness but I don’t think it’s unique to just the UK. The entire world seems to be navigating this change.
Finding Joy in the Simple Things
2024 didn’t feel like Christmas in the way I’ve known it, but what I did find this year is that Christmas isn’t just about the dinner or the family gatherings; it’s about us, the moments we have together. Watching my daughter light up over her gifts, spending time with my mum, and simply being together. It was a reminder that sometimes the little things are the biggest treasures. Christmas may not have felt “right,” but I found moments that truly made me feel thankful and grateful.
What I learned this Christmas is that sometimes things change. And when they do, we just have to adjust and find happiness where we can. It’s the small moments, the little memories we create, that really make the holiday season.
With That Being Said….
How was Christmas for you this year? Did you feel like it didn’t quite have the same Christmas magic, or did you find joy in the little things like I did? What did you do differently, and what are your hopes for Christmas 2025? Share your thoughts below, and thank you for reading! Until next time, Ciao!
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