#22 - The Black Hole Between Christmas and New Year

After the bustle of Christmas and before the excitement of the New Year, the days seem to fall into a strange in-between. The Christmas lights are still glowing, but the magic feels like it’s on pause.

“Let’s head into the city,” Lily says during breakfast, dividing the last pieces of Christmas stollen. “A day in the city… on an adventure!” The kids look doubtful, but Lily promptly calls her best friend Sophie. “We’re going on a day trip! Are you coming too?”. Sophie doesn’t hesitate for a second.

With a bag of Christmas cookies, Lily, Sophie and the kids all take the train to a small, cozy town nearby, known for its old streets and winter markets. And yes, stepping out of the station feels like stepping into a Christmas card. Lights twinkle everywhere, the scent of roasted almonds floats through the air, and small stalls sell warm scarves, jewelry, waffles, and postcards. Everywhere you look, charming shops are dressed in beautiful Christmas decorations.

Jules and Jack beam as they immediately spot the ice skating rink on the square. “Look, Mom! They rent skates!”. Before Lily realizes it, everyone is wobbling on the ice. Even Sophie, who has just recovered from a broken leg, decides to give it a try. Jules, the most confident skater, films and photographs all the clumsy moments.

After skating, they wander through narrow streets lined with shops hidden behind old facades. In a cozy little bookstore with creaky wooden floors, they find an old picture book filled with winter fairy tales. The owner tells them the book has been waiting for a new owner for years. What a sales pitch! Of course, the book goes home with them.

They stroll through the Christmas market, unable to resist buying woolen bonnets. Well bundled up, they toast with mulled wine and hot chocolate. Lily and Sophie enjoy a warm waffle, though the kids prefer a giant, sticky candyfloss.

“What now?” Ella asks. At that moment, music fills the air. On the steps of the old theater, a spontaneous street performance begins, with musicians and dancers. Lily, Sophie, and the kids find front-row spots as a crowd gathers around. It becomes quite the spectacle.

As the winter sun sets and the lights in the town glow even brighter, Sophie says, “This is exactly what we needed. It feels like we’re holding on to the Christmas magic just a little longer.”

With rosy cheeks, a bag full of small souvenirs, and hearts full of memories, they arrive home that evening. And … that little black hole between Christmas and New Year? For now, it’s filled.