Nostalgia in December

(Tune in to “The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You)” by Nat King Cole while reading to enhance your reading experience.)

“Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose.”

The warmth of nostalgia surrounding December is an undeniable tug at our souls, regardless of age and race. This subconscious emotion seeps into our very being, evoking a heartfelt reminiscence that transports us back to a time of pure joyfulness—granted by a month-long holiday that centres around Christmas, free from the chaos that fills the rest of the year.

How long has it been, dear reader, since you have had all the weight completely lifted off your shoulders? Our December school holidays have always felt like an embrace after conquering obstacles throughout the year, and there is something so safe about that feeling in December that we helplessly channel as we move forward in life, even if we grow into more responsibilities. We collectively become roasting chestnuts, steady and warm as though time ticked slower. We mould into a soothing melody absorbing love, family, and tradition, no matter how much time passes. 

“Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe help to make the season bright.” 

The raindrops racing on the window pane create a festive backdrop that coats the air with nostalgia. Everybody sips a familiar and comforting warmth from their hot coffee or sweet Milo in this gentle monsoon season. The streets are adorned in festive dress code, twinkling our eyes as we admire the lights arranged in triangles. Everybody reverts to friendly conversations recapping the tumultuous year because when we meet, our pages are coloured and we each have a story to tell.

“And so I’m offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two.”

Time is such a fickle thing, yet the seconds melting into the year-end like honey pause the world for a breath. We have come this far, and that is such a beautiful, powerful miracle.

Gathered with people from other walks of life, December presents a brief unity for when we align in time, like hands on the clock going in circles back to their places. Interestingly, the “Home Alone” sequel, playing in 1080p quality on our screens but contrastingly preserving the 1990s aesthetic, observes the timeless dynamics of the human race settling in an instance of simplicity for people from one to 92.     

“Although it’s been said many times, many ways.”

It is the very essence of nostalgia that makes December a magical time. And it is this indescribable sentiment that makes it Christmas for all of us. For those who return home—not to a place, but to a feeling—I wish this nostalgia blankets you with love and belonging.

Ultimately, this piece culminates in a universal greeting, carrying the warmth and love of the season:

“Merry Christmas to you.”

Words to learn:

recapping – state again as a summary; recapitulate

reverts – return to (a previous state, practice, topic, etc.)

embrace – hold (someone) closely in one’s arms, especially as a sign of affection

tumultuous – excited, confused, or disorderly

fickle – changing frequently, especially as regards to one’s loyalties or affections

miracle – an extraordinary and welcome event that is not explicable by natural or scientific laws and is therefore attributed to a divine agency

contrastingly – differing strikingly

aesthetic – concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty

sentiment – exaggerated and self-indulgent feelings of tenderness, sadness, or nostalgia

culminate – reach a climax or point of highest development

At ILTI, we encourage our learners to polish their language skills via real-life situations. We do not practise the chalk and talk approach – we learn and have fun at the same time. Join us today by calling / WhatsApp 010-395 3067 or email: info@ilti.edu.my.

The World of FOMO: Why We’re All Social Media Addicts

Do you ever feel a twinge of anxiety scrolling through picture-perfect vacations or epic hangouts on social media? That’s FOMO, or the Fear of Missing Out, casting its spell.  

In a world where everyone’s highlight reel is just a swipe away, it’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind. Beyond the scroll, however, is a more profound effect on mental health and self-worth so let’s dive right into that! 

In today’s world, FOMO isn’t just a buzzword, it’s practically a way of life. Everyone seems to be doing something exciting or achieving milestones on Instagram, but here we are, debating whether to start a new series or rewatch Friends for the 15th time. 

Social media updates change each scroll into a reminder of what we’re not doing. This anxiety can lead to compulsive scrolling or checking updates, disrupting daily activities and mental peace. 

The worst part? Over time, it breeds a sense of inadequacy, where we begin measuring our lives against the curated highlights of others. Suddenly, our accomplishments seem small, and we’re left with a question in mind—when will our main character moment manifest? 

FOMO has a sneaky way of turning self-esteem into a punching bag. Your pamper night in feels like a bad life choice when your feed is flooded with influencers crossing out countries on their travel list or friends rocking the front row at a concert. 

However, what we often fail to remember is that social media is like a movie, only the best bits make the cut. But those carefully curated highlights can set absurd standards. It’s a recipe for a self-esteem spiral, clawing at your heart from the thought of yourself being insignificant.  

FOMO traps you in an endless loop of digital validation. What starts as a casual post about your homemade nasi lemak turns into a race for social hierarchy supremacy.  

The problem? Every ‘red heart’ or ‘thumbs up’ fuels the need for more, driving you further away from authentic, real-life connections. Before you know it, you’re not just feeding FOMO; you’re creating it, for yourself and others. 

So, what’s the takeaway? It’s time to hit pause on the scrolling and take a breather from the approval race. Real moments, shared smiles, and genuine connections are what define life; double taps are NOT the yardstick. 

FOMO might reign in the digital world, but your happiness? That’s still your turf. 

Words to learn:

twinge – a sudden short feeling of physical or mental pain

profound – (of a state, quality, or emotion) very great or intense 
                    (of a person or statement) having or showing great knowledge or insight

self-esteem – how one values and perceives oneself

curated – (of online content, merchandise, information, etc.) selected, organised, and presented using professional or expert knowledge

spiral – a process in which something gradually but continuously gets worse or better 

validation – recognition or affirmation that a person or their feelings or opinions are valid or worthwhile

authentic – of undisputed origin and not a copy; genuine

yardstick – a standard used for comparison

At ILTI, we encourage our learners to polish their language skills via real-life situations. We do not practise the chalk and talk approach – we learn and have fun at the same time. Join us today by calling / WhatsApp 010-395 3067 or email: info@ilti.edu.my.