It’s only a couple of days until Christmas. If you’re familiar with me and my writing, you’ll know I love the lights and sights of Christmas. I also love the feeling I get during the holiday season – no, I’m not talking about the sense of panic over whether I’ve forgotten to get a gift for someone on my list, the stress of squeezing through throngs of shoppers to buy everything on my grocery list, the anxiety about how the turkey will taste or the sense of dread that creeps in when faced with spending time with my least favourite people. I try not to think too much about any of those things.

The feeling I’m talking about is the happy, childlike wonder that the season brings out in me. I look around me and marvel at the shiny, twinkling decorations on trees, in windows and doorways, and hanging overhead as wander through town. I listen to Christmas songs playing and catch the scent of hot apple cider or hot chocolate.

I went to the Belfast Christmas market a couple of weeks ago and wended my way through it inhaling the scents of paella, pancakes and chocolate, smoked sausages, and cheesy everything. I couldn’t possibly have eaten everything that tempted me but I enjoyed the scents of the dishes I bypassed.

I also love the coziness of the holiday season. Where does this feeling come from? I think it’s partly from the heartwarming books I choose to read at this time of year. It’s also the Christmas lights shining out into the dark nights, a fire crackling in the hearth, familiar decorations twinkling on the Christmas tree, hot chocolate or other festive drinks I enjoy, and candy canes, gingerbread and other seasonal treats I indulge in (I definitely get a sugar overload during the holidays). But it’s also spending time with the people who matter to me. It’s a time to just snuggle up and chill out.

What makes Christmas cozy for you?

After I finish navigating all the tasks I need to do so that my family and I can enjoy a festive feast in our home on Christmas Day, I intend to sit in front of the fire and chill out with a good book or three or seven or……I hope hot apple cider or good coffee magically appears to go with them.

Hope you have a cozy festive season however you celebrate it. Merry Christmas!