Did you ever celebrate Christmas in a hotel? I did, twice in a row now for the past two years. There were no dramatic reasons like eviction or losing the key while nobody else was at home. It was just chance, and a longing for sunshine when there was none.
Last year, it was on Fuerteventura: building a sand snowman and watching girls in furry Santa costumes parading the esplanade. This year, it was right before I moved into my new house in the UAE. There was a big Christmas tree in the lobby of the hotel. And a small one in the hallway towards the pool. The hotel had a special vibe to it as all the guests and staff were celebrating Christmas together, in a way.
When I was young, I believed Christmas should always be celebrated in the same way: at my parent’s house, with my family. The Christmas tree should have the same decoration and we ate our home grown chicken, potatoes and peas. Today, I have travelled a lo and I now know that everyone celebrates Christmas in their own way. Saying ‘Merry Christmas’ and feeling grateful for what you have is often enough to feel all warm and christmassy inside. Merry Xmas!