Quietly Here

It’s Christmas Eve here at the offline outpost.

I’ve put on one of those classical YouTube Christmas videos, the kind that can play forever. A wooden cabin, a Christmas tree, a sofa with a cat, two large windows. Outside, mountains and softly falling snow. A lake in front of the cabin, and the lights of other cabins around it, as if to say: we’re quietly here too.

Beside the TV, there’s a real, smaller Christmas tree, with lights and a few simple decorations. Underneath, a small nativity scene, not out of belief, but to honour a tradition. And a crystal candle holder with the coloured houses of Innsbruck, glowing gently.

Angie is sitting on the sofa, our favourite blanket folded nearby, almost waiting for me.

I’m finishing the last small chores in the kitchen: placing the artisanal panettone as a tribute to Milan, and the Christmas crackers in honour of British and Irish traditions. We’ll celebrate both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day lightly this year. Nothing fancy, very low key.

But we’re here. And that’s enough.

Wishing you all happy holidays. 🎄☃️
I’m sharing a small postcard featuring Angie.