A British Christmastime is just how I imagine my ideal December: warm hearths with toasty fires burning while you laugh with family and friends, a cozy morning walk outside while you appreciate the subtle beauty of a world in winter, pubs overflowing with people crowding in for a festive Sunday roast meal and lingering over cups and cups of tea being poured out all while traditional carols hum in their ears.

When I think of Christmas, I think of England.

I just adore how the Brits do this time of the year. It’s honored, it’s charming, but it’s not perfect. Nor is there any hint of this being the goal.

Christmas lights are strewn across the houses in the most delicate and beautiful of ways, not covering every square inch. Towns are dotted with Christmas markets selling items that are delightful and affordable, not outlandish and extravagant. People are busy shopping for gifts with large grins on their faces and laughter flowing through the alleyways rather than clenched jaws and tight expressions wondering how they’ll find something for everyone on their list.

We’ve been hearing over the years how we have largely missed the truest meaning of Christmas. I never really thought deeply about it until this adventure through the British countryside in the Cotswolds.

I don’t think we’ve lost the truest meaning of Christmas, I feel like it’s just buried. Underneath the desire to do everything when we realistically can’t, beneath the push to have the house decorated in the middle of November, and covered by the drive to give our family and friends these ideal gifts when oftentimes it’s simply being together which is the biggest gift of all..there is this little spark of magic shining the truest meaning of this season.

No matter your own beliefs/celebrations this time of the year, I personally believe the essence of this season lies in connection. Connection to our families, near and far. Connection with our friends, old and new. Connection with something greater than ourselves, whether it be a figure or simply spirit.

When I say England’s festiveness was simple, it does not mean it wasn’t beautiful. For me, I found it even more stunning and charming. The toned down decorations (compared to the USA!), the Christmas trees which aren’t decked in a million lights, seeing little kiddos and their parents being present with one another, it highlighted Christmas in a way that reminded me… the sense of this season lies within us all.

Wishing you all a very merry season ahead filled with oodles of cups of good cheer and countless expressions of wonder.

A note: This post is not sponsored or an ad.

Cheers to a festive season ahead!