I’ve always disliked Christmas. I don’t like winter, cold and dark. In addition, as a child I spent Easter in the village, in the fields, playing with my friends, but Christmas in the city, locked in houses with relatives. So, for years, these holidays passed me almost indifferently. Until, now grown, I began to rejoice every year when Christmas approached. Now, I decorate with too much fun early and take down late, enjoying every moment and every little detail of the holidays. I aim to go out, to see the festive Athens, but also to stay at home, to relax with the lights of my own tree. And one more thing, in my own family, there is a rule: We all spend the holidays together. We’re a tight-knit family anyway, but this is an informal rule that I’ve “enforced” (it also helps that I’m celebrating New Years, you see). And that’s because I don’t see any other way to celebrate these days.

And now you tell me, how does someone who didn’t even like Christmas care so much about family gatherings? Having myself wondered how something that started out as insignificant ended up being so important, I understood this: With lives moving fast and at the same time, everyday life takes us away from almost all of our loved ones. As we grow older, nothing is the same anymore. We fight to secure some time with our own people. A gathering that finally takes shape is a small victory. And that is exactly what makes it so precious.

I know, of course, your objections. Relatives are a demanding and often difficult chapter. Each of us sits at this table with our own quirks. And when on vacation all you want is a little peace, your relatives are not sure that they will give it to you. But if you look at it from another angle, it is even these little quirks of each of us that give these holiday gatherings all their grace and charm. The funniest moments usually come from silly arguments. That’s the beauty of Christmas with the family. We are all different, but we all love and need each other very much. And this is not duplicated by any party and is not reflected in any dinner at an expensive restaurant.

And you might think I’m one of the lucky ones. Not everyone has families like mine. You are right. In this case, however, you should remember that family is not only those with whom we are bound by blood ties. They are also the ones we chose, who came into our lives as the greatest gifts. So, if your first family is not the most suitable environment to spend these holidays, choose the second one. But spend them with people, people you love and who love you, and together you can create wonderful, warm memories. So do I. I divide my time between my two families. The eve is dedicated to my beloved relatives and the New Year finds me opening the door to friends who come with their brightest smiles, eager to celebrate my name together, but most of all this new year that stretches out before us, ready to surprise with her adventures.

Now maybe you understand me. One way or another, the holidays are a family affair.