The start of a new year often brings a relaxed mindset, a fresh perspective, and perhaps a few new goals. For me, the beginning of 2025 comes on the heels of a weeks-long trip to Europe filled with daily sanity strolls, breathtaking vistas, and a much-needed opportunity to reconnect with myself. With a few days still left of my trip before I return to full-on work mode at home, I plan to savor every remaining moment.
When I travel, it always takes me a little time to adjust to Europe’s slower pace of life. But once I do, there’s truly nothing better. This trip was all about unplugging, as I arrived during the holiday season—a time when Europeans fully embrace their vacations and time off. While many small-town shops were closed and trains weren’t running at their usual intervals, I didn’t let that stop me from soaking in how another culture celebrates Christmas and New Year’s.
Since my grandmother passed away in 2023, the holidays have felt almost impossible to navigate—a big reason I wanted to be away for them this year. With only a few of my own holiday traditions, I thought it might be inspiring to see how another country celebrates the season. And it was. In Europe, Christmas seems far less commercialized than it is back home. While some neighbors might display small decorative lights or a single glowing star in the entryway, the focus is on time spent with loved ones rather than weeks of meal planning or an endless list of presents. Interestingly, gifts are often opened on Christmas Eve, which makes the actual holiday feel quieter and more reflective.
One tradition I’ve recently created for myself is taking a long walk on a holiday—something I was delighted to see mirrored by the Europeans. On Christmas Day, I laced up my new hiking boots (a thoughtful Christmas gift) and joined crowds of others heading outdoors. Merging my ritual with theirs created a beautiful sense of connection and community that felt almost tangible.
New Year’s Eve, which is a major celebration in the U.S., brought some unexpected discoveries abroad as well. I quickly learned that I wouldn’t be able to stream the ball drop in New York City’s Times Square due to broadcasting restrictions in Europe. Instead, I was introduced to a European New Year’s tradition: watching Dinner for One, a short comedic sketch that serves as a countdown classic. If you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend looking it up on YouTube for a good laugh. I also learned about Europe’s strict regulations on fireworks—banned for environmental reasons except on New Year’s Eve. This made for an impressive, albeit slightly nerve-wracking, DIY fireworks display across town. Luckily, I enjoyed the show from the safety of my balcony with a front-row seat to the dazzling lights.
As my time abroad winds down, I feel incredibly grateful for the chance to step away and create new holiday traditions. The quiet, reflective days between Christmas and New Year’s were exactly what I needed to close out 2024 and welcome 2025 with an open heart.
How did you ring in the new year?
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