What does Christmas mean to you?

CHRISTMAS looks different for everyone.

For some, it’s a picture of a winter wonderland. The snow is falling softly outside as the townspeople walk leisurely down the aisles of the Christmas markets, or lace up their boots and go ice-skating, or simply sip hot chocolate by a cosy fireplace.

Miniature Christmas shop at the Christmas house we visited

Maybe, it looks like little hands in mittens throwing snowballs and sculpting snowmen. Or like children tiptoeing down the stairs on Christmas Eve to try and catch a glimpse of Santa.

Or maybe Christmas looks like singlets and shorts and sunhats and sunscreen. Like barbecues at the park and cricket on the beach. Like a family in a car playing Christmas songs as they cruise through the suburbs and gaze at the brightly-coloured houses lighting up the streets.

Houses fully illuminated by Christmas lights!

For some, it’s simply the joyful faces of loved ones laughing and smiling as they look back on the year. Or like a community coming together to sing Christmas carols, go to Church, or put gifts under a tree for those less fortunate.

It might even look like a package being wrapped with love and sent to family on the other side of the world, to arrive at their doorstep just in time for Christmas.

My grandpa's snow-covered garden at Christmas time

The 25^th of December looks different for everyone. From country to country, and house to house.

But despite all the beautiful shapes and forms that Christmas can take, what doesn’t change as the years go on is the true meaning of Christmas.

For me, Christmas means quality time spent with loved ones. Whether you’re surrounded by family for Christmas dinner, or phoning relatives overseas to wish them happy holidays, Christmas is all about showing that you genuinely care.

The giant Christmas tree in Sydney

It is the season of inclusivity, open arms, and welcoming hearts because nobody should spend Christmas alone.

It means making sure that no one is forgotten. That no-one misses out on a Christmas card or a party invitation. It means that your distant friends and faraway relatives aren’t forgotten on Christmas day.

Family isn’t just the people you were born with, but also the people you meet along the way. Whether it be your colleagues, your teachers, your friends, or your neighbours, anyone can be welcomed into your family on Christmas.

My sister and I tried decorating a pavlova!

To me, Christmas is also the season of giving.

It means remembering that the best gift you receive isn’t necessarily the most expensive item, the most sparkly jewellery, or the most luxurious holiday. It’s not a stay at the most glamorous hotel, or a date at the fanciest restaurant. The best gift is that of unconditional love and undivided attention.

Sometimes, it’s simply being there for your loved ones which makes the best gift of all. To be by their side and not miss out on being a part of those lasting memories.

We tried a real tree for Christmas this year :)

Everyone’s Christmas may look different, but the meaning stays the same. Christmas is a time that is wrapped, ribboned, and bundled in love, ready to be shared with our loved ones.