It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

            Christmas time is getting here, abruptly kicking the autumn through the front door. As much as I love the fall – with its crisp sun and golden leaves; I am always anxiously waiting for Christmas. Not really winter; Christmas. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year – even for singles!

There’ll be parties for hosting
Marshmallows for toasting
And caroling out in the snow!

            Oh, it started snowing today – just in time for the promised good news for December! And yes, I said more to come on Dec 1^st, but come on! The snow is a sign, and if I know anything – it’s to never ignore the signs. Besides, it will give you some time to get ready.

But before I share the December “challenge” – well, no. Wait a minute. Let’s call it a journey, okay? December Christmas journey! Anyway – before I tell you all about it, let’s talk about being single during that wonderful time. More specifically, let me just say one thing: it is okay.

Boom, there. I said it. Why wouldn’t it be? Sure, I get it – IT WOULD BE NICE NOT TO BE. But… That’s life for so many of us out there. Does that make us less worthy of celebrating this magical time to the fullest? No. Or does it meant that we should be sad? Not really. It sucks most of the time, but… It’s not our first rodeo, right?

            And believe me – I am the first to dream about a Christmas romance like the one I saw in Dash & Lily or Love hard (of course the catfish part aside). There is nothing wrong with dreams. Well, there is if they bring you down – few weeks ago I felt this way. But… Why waste that time for sadness?

There’ll be much mistltoeing
And hearts will be glowing
When loved ones are near

            Yet there is always time and space for melancholy. Nobody can escape it. Strolling through the Christmas market, among the lights, brushing gently through the snow. Smell of mulled wine is in the air, mixed with the scent of colorful gingerbreads and chocolate covered fruits. Christmas music fills the air, kids are cheering and parents are trying not to lose them out of their sight.

But we are never truly alone, right? Last week I hung out with a friend of mine (J!) and we talked about families and relationships and all that mess. And his conclusion was that… We are never really alone. Sure, if we decide to cut off everyone from our life. But the friends – the family we choose – are always there for us.

            Of course, no friendship is a substitute for a romantic relationship. But Christmas and that time around it is not only about romance. It’s about all of it – friends, family and the most important love of all – self-love. And with all the “couple propaganda” it’s hard to forget about the only person that sticks with you till the very end: YOU.

It’s the hap-happiest season of all!

            So, this year I decided to help you out with the self-love part. It’s never too late to start and why not during Christmas time? I am giving you the BEST opportunity to spend around 2 hours with yourself every day! It does not mean that I want you to go on this journey alone, no. But… This could be the time YOU need. And if there is someone else around – even better.

So, what is the story? Did I ever tell you how much I LOVE advent calendars? Ever since I was a kid, my parents always got me one. My brother and I tried our best not to cheat and eat one tiny chocolate a day. But you know how it is – sometimes it doesn’t work out.

When my dad started working in Germany, he was bringing us newer and better calendars – with Ritter chocolate, or with Milka. Star Wars, Nivea cosmetics – you name it. This year I got myself one with tea (best kind) and my parents gave me one with bath bombs. And that got me thinking – what kind of advent calendar could I give you Lot?

Oh, the weather outside is frightful
But the fire is so delightful
And since we’ve no place to go
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

            And the answer is so obvious! FILMS! Let me elaborate: it’s getting darker at 3pm these days, and sadly the pandemic is still here – 4^th wave is coming and there is nothing we can do about it. Best to take care of ourselves and while doing that – take care of our mental health. So… What is the best thing to do on a dark, snowy evening? Watch a movie!

But not just any movie – I created a list of 25 movies for you to watch. One movie a day. The order was very random – there was no rhyme or reason when I was writing down the list. I asked Marta to help me out with the calendar and card for each movie… So, here is how the journey will work:

• Every day in the morning I will reveal on Instagram “Christmas Film of the day”. There will be 25 movies in total and we kick off on December 1^st. Grand finale will take place on Christmas Day.
• Your only task is to watch the movie and enjoy it!
• I will be composing a Christmas run-down (like I did with Star Trek) which will be posted on one of Twin Peaks Sundays.
• Try to have fun. I know it might be a step out of your comfort zone + not everyone even likes this “genre”, but trust me – there are different kind of Christmas movies on the calendar 😀
• Spend some time with your inner self. You really need that! Especially now…

So… Do you dare to fall in love with Christmas? ?