As Christmas approaches, once more nostalgia returns to our minds, the scents of Christmas past fill our senses, and that aroma comes in many different forms, with the abundant fragrance of pine cones from Christmas trees of all shapes and sizes.
Where the kitchen is a floating array of sweet, smelling gingerbread, cakes, and pastries hot from the oven and welcomed by eager hands.
Our senses are like windows opening and doors that transport us back in time to stimulate a feeling of well-being, calm, and safety. It is when wishes and dreams come true and unforgettable memories can be made.
Our minds return to childhood, the excitement and anticipation of a tree full of presents, knowing that there are hopefully treasured gifts with our names on them.
For many, religion plays a significant role in our perception of the meaning of Christmas and its place in the world.
Associated scents such as incense and candles burning in church accompany midnight mass when more than regular churchgoers attend church, and the pews are full of optimistic parishioners.
Other senses awakened like a Pandora’s box of surprises; taste, sound, and touch are all opened up to the joys of Christmas.
We taste the fruits of the labours from cooking, preserving, and crafting sugary items, especially those prepared with loving care, usually by our mothers, grandmothers, and sisters alike, all contributing to the seasonal treasure trove of delights.
Kathalina, a woman I care for in residential care, tells me of her childhood memories of growing up in Innsbruck, Austria. The snow would be on the ground at that time of year, and the rooftops would be heavy with soft snow.
As children, we would anxiously anticipate the arrival of Christkind, the bringer of gifts to good children.
The air was floating with the smell of gingerbread, cinnamon, spices, and hot chocolate. The adults seemed happier, especially after toasting with Glühwein and visiting the Christmas markets.
The majestic snow-capped mountains stood as a breathtaking backdrop to the enchanting winter season while delicate snowflakes twirled and pirouetted through the night sky, adorning the land with their magical dance.
Vanillekipferl is a traditional Austrian cookie that tastes like almonds and vanilla and is known for its shape. Lebkuchen (gingerbread) is recognised globally as one of the most famous Christmas treats.
Katherlina comments that the aroma of lebkuchen is like wrapping yourself in a warm, cosy blanket; they taste like Christmas!
The sights and sounds mesmerise a child, eyes sparkling with excitement and adrenaline running high. Warm log fires burn all day and night, and faces turn red when sitting too close to the fire, watching the embers dance around in the fireplace like pixies and fairies, all awaiting the celebrations to begin.
Children eagerly await the Krampus parade and gifts from Christkind on the day before St. Nicholas Day, December 6th. They also looked forward to lighting the candles on the Advent wreath and the sights and sounds unique to the festive season.
Music was always a spectacular occasion, with familiar Christmas carols echoing every street corner and church in the city. Katherina had a cherished Christmas carol, “Stille Nacht,” which she would happily sing for anyone who asked.
The highlight was lunch on Christmas day with roast goose cooked to perfection, accompanied by potato salads, bratwurst, and fried carp. Mother would have a special delivery of a sachertorte from the Hotel Sacher in Vienna to top off the grand table creation.
She would proudly sit at the head of the table, admiring her hard work, while my father would carve the meat and hand the plates around the table.
It was always a family time when aunts, uncles, and cousins would gather together like many families around the world and would do so to celebrate. Happy memories we take forward from year to year keep us connected and value family times together.
When Katherlina spoke about her memories of Christmas in Austria, her eyes sparkled, her face glowed, and all of us around her could feel the joy and happiness in her story. During moments of sorrow, she would gently shut her eyes and find herself instantly transported back to Innsbrook, a picturesque town nestled in the mountains, where she could feel the warmth of her loving family, the laughter of her dear friends, and the soothing embrace of her childhood home.
Life as a child was a simpler time, filled with the excitement of eagerly embracing the changing seasons.
If only we could bottle up the true spirit of Christmas and share it with the world, peace, joy, and happiness would be within everyone’s reach.
As Katherlina sauntered away from the table, she turned back with a playful grin and said, “Let’s deck the halls with Christmas cheer, even if it’s only October!” We happily agreed to spend the afternoon transforming the room into a winter wonderland.
The following day, we embarked on a delightful baking adventure, baking authentic Austrian cookies that might have been a little premature but were undeniably delicious.
Happiness is a tapestry woven from many threads. It draws on memories from the past, savours the joys of the present, and nurtures hope for the future.
“Christmas is the spirit of giving without a thought of getting. It is happiness because we see joy in people. It is forgetting oneself and finding time for others. It is discarding the meaningless and stressing the true values.” -Thomas S. Monson
I’ve been waiting for your Christmas story Michael and it didn’t disappoint. Katherlina’s story is wonderful and, not only does it transport her back to Innsbruck, but brings back our own memories of the excitement.
I just loved this story, looking forward to more in 2025.
Hi Cath,
Glad you enjoyed my Christmas story! Like so many personal stories around the world, it’s all about family and celebrating life. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Have a great Christmas and New Year, and look out for my New Year’s story.
Best Wishes,
Michael
Of course a positive attitude is wonderful and I understand staff naturally want to make Christmas a happy time for their residents.
But, I’m sure you’d be surprised if you asked staff members just how many of their residents don’t look forward to Christmas.
Many families don’t exist as they once did when Christmas was joyful and fun with youngsters. As you age and families spread out with inlaws to share with or spread thinly as dynamics change, there isn’t much joy.
Christmas becomes another day in another week in another year and the best fun is giving the gardener, the garbo, and the hairdressers a box of chocolates or flowers. That has to be enough.
If you’re wondering why I haven’t mentioned friends – I have one left after all have died over the last few years. My one friend herself is battling cancer and we laugh about not making it to older age because we don’t want to go into aged care. (We know there are good aged care providers but we can’t find them.)
So, being positive at Christmas is not always positive.
I could go on about the many people who don’t like Christmas like homeless citizens or broken families and children whose homes are dysfunctional. I’ll stop now.
PS I love your newsletters and topics covered. Merry Christmas to all. 🙂
Wonderful story Michael on reminiscing Christmas past while celebrating Christmas present. I love Christmas too but it’s a little bittersweet with many loved ones passed on and others estranged or a long way away. But as your article points out we can make Christmas special with whoever is around us, whether it be family, friends or new acquaintances. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas celebration with whoever is around you, and many blessings for the New Year