Last night, we enjoyed Christmas dinner with our wonderful landlords and new friends, Dave and Eing, who live next door, just a short distance from our holiday home. In so many ways, that simple sentence captures one of the greatest gifts of long-term travel: the people you meet along the way, often when you least expect it, who make a foreign place feel instantly warmer and more familiar. When Dave stopped by earlier in the day to invite us, we accepted with genuine gratitude, knowing we were still recovering and might not have the stamina for a long evening, but also knowing how special it is to share a holiday meal with others.
They prepared fall-off-the-bone ribs, tender and rich, along with vegetables and potatoes that appeared comforting and grounding, real food, lovingly made. I brought along a sausage, mushroom, and cheesy egg casserole, something hearty enough for me to enjoy while still being easy to share with everyone else. Sitting around their table, plates full and conversation flowing easily, it was hard not to feel a quiet sense of amazement at how far away we were, yet how at home we felt in that moment. Christmas has a way of softening edges, opening hearts, and reminding us that hospitality transcends borders.
We lingered longer than expected, talking about life, travel, adventures, and the subtle differences between our cultures that somehow felt more charming than dividing. By the time we returned to our place, it was nearly 10:00 pm. The night air was calm, and the area was quiet, as if the entire world had collectively exhaled after the holiday. We were ready for a good night’s rest, or so I thought.
Sleep didn’t come easily for me. I tossed and turned most of the night, my mind restless and my body refusing to fully settle. I suspect the culprit was the two small glasses of red wine I enjoyed with dinner, something that wouldn’t have phased me at another time, but after not drinking alcohol for so long, my body clearly had opinions. Still, even with the broken sleep, there was no regret; some evenings are worth a little discomfort the next day.
This morning, despite lingering weakness from so much rest over the past weeks, we both noticed something important: we are feeling better. Not fully restored, not back to our old energy levels, but better in that subtle, unmistakable way that signals healing is underway. The fog is lifting. The heaviness is easing. It feels like the turning of a corner.
Now comes the gentle work of rebuilding strength. Nothing dramatic, nothing rushed. Soon, I’ll start doing indoor exercises, small movements meant not to conquer but to reconnect, to remind my body that it is capable, resilient, and ready to reawaken. Today, we’re doing laundry. Tomorrow, we’ll clean the house. These are small, ordinary tasks, but right now they feel meaningful. Each load of laundry, each wiped surface, is a step back into a pattern, back into daily life.
Today is Boxing Day, celebrated on December 26 and observed in many countries with historical ties to the United Kingdom. Its origins date back to the Victorian era, when wealthy households would give “Christmas boxes” filled with money, food, or goods to servants, tradespeople, and those in need as a gesture of gratitude after Christmas Day.
Boxing Day is recognized as a public holiday in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and South Africa, as well as in several Caribbean nations, including Jamaica, Barbados, and the Bahamas. While the spirit of generosity remains part of its history, modern celebrations vary widely by country.
In the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand, Boxing Day is strongly associated with sports, particularly football (soccer), rugby, and cricket, with major matches traditionally scheduled on this day. In Canada, it has long been known for large retail sales, similar to Black Friday in the United States. In Australia and New Zealand, the day also marks the start of the famous Boxing Day Test cricket match and the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.
Although customs differ, Boxing Day continues to symbolize rest, recreation, and generosity, offering a relaxed counterbalance to the celebrations of Christmas Day itself.
We are grateful for the kind neighbors who became friends, for the food shared and the stories exchanged, for bodies slowly recovering, and for the chance to experience Christmas in a place so far from what is familiar to us, yet filled with warmth. This is what travel gives us, again and again: reminders that connection matters, that healing takes time, and that even the smallest steps forward are worth celebrating.
Next party? New Year’s Eve in the neighborhood!
Merry Christmas to those who celebrate today, and Happy Boxing Day to those who do as well.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, December 26, 2015:
Hi Jessica and Tom
Hope you guys are okay since there wasn’t any post for the 26th.
Waiting on a blizzard starting tomorrow ( Sunday) morning into Monday morning!!
Vikki, thank you for looking out for us. We took the day off to take care of financial matters and clean the house after being here for two weeks while we were sick. Now, we feel more organized and can focus on our posts. Hope the blizzard isn’t too bad. Stay safe and happy New Year!
Warmest regards,
Jess & Tom