“What do you want for Christmas?”

H and my sister had asked me this question a few times, but I hadn’t given a definitive answer (we’re all about practicality here, so we just ask what each other wants for Christmas).

This question really got me thinking and trying to figure out what I really wanted, until the realization hit me: I don’t want anything.

I’m perfectly happy with what I have now, and getting to celebrate Christmas in a beautiful city with my loved ones is more than what I could ask for.

There are a few things that I want, or rather, want to achieve, but those are things I have to do myself.

I’m very grateful that 2017 has been kind to me, and I have a lot to be thankful for; among many things are better mental and physical health, and the chance to be together with (some of) my loved ones this Christmas.

I used to take family time for granted, but now, living far away from my family has made me realize that I just want to be with them for Christmas. My favorite Christmas memories are the things I did with them. It doesn’t matter what I do; it’s the people that make Christmas as wonderful as it’s always been.

Last week, I got the chance to visit my sister in Sweden. It was just my luck that on my first day there, the snow fell and covered the whole city.

When it started snowing, I was at Skansen Kronan was with my sister. The place was tranquil, and the view of the city before us was nothing short of amazing. And as I stood there, admiring the city from above and thinking how wonderful it was to be there with my sister, the snow started to fall. This pleasant surprise had my excitement level shot up through the roof, but I calmed down quickly, thinking it wouldn’t last long and the snow would melt in an instant.

I was wrong. The snowflakes kept falling, blanketing the whole city. Granted, it was only a thin layer of snow, but it was more than enough for me, a tropical kid who adored the idea of being in the snow (even if her toes were numb and her fingers were starting to hurt).

The next day, I was on my way to Linköping when I saw row and row of trees covered in snow; it was almost completely white. As I sat there on the bus, I kept thinking whether this was what Narnia would look like in real life.

In Linköping, everything looked even more magical, and I was giddy with euphoria. Numb toes be damned; I felt like I could stay outside for longer just to enjoy the view.

My first experience was wonderful, but I’m wondering whether it had more to do with the people than the place itself.

If I had to sum up my short visit to Sweden in just a few words, it would be this: frozen toes and warm heart.