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.