Why Warmth Wins: The Argument Against Frosty Festivities Pale in Comparison to a Sunny Season's Celebration.

If we have gleaned anything from the deluge of holiday movies, ubiquitous decorations, and jingle bell-infused songs, it's that the popular narrative has determined Christmas is a holiday best served chilly. Whatever!

The powers that be residing above the equator may have convinced the world, but that's only because they are without the inherent understanding we denizens of the south possess: a sun-drenched Christmas is simply superior. This season is fraught enough – irrespective of temperature – but at least we don't have to battle seasonal depression on top of it all.

Frosty Formative Years

And this isn't just an empty claim. I spent my entire childhood experiencing cold festive seasons. Despite my family hailing from New Zealand, my father's career led to inevitable international moves. My younger years were spent in the UK and the US, meaning every December brought dark skies by 4pm and a biting chill on my cheeks. The sole silver lining? The fashion choices; bundling up is inherently stylish.

In all honesty, a cold Christmas has its appeal. It's traditional, iconic, and the prospect of snow is truly magical. The cosy charm of a chilly celebration is hard to dismiss. Yet, with my extended family an ocean away, I always felt I was missing out an authentic celebration that not even the most decadent hot chocolate could make up for.

A Move to Summer

Everything changed when another move brought my family to Australia. There, I finally experienced a full festive family affair, joined by extended relatives for the first time. With a larger group to entertain, my father got creative in the kitchen, crafting a heavily marinated vodka jelly that left everyone reeling. We slept soundly that night.

This became our routine for years – celebrating together with family and friends, complete with playful battles across the table. That was, until my parents heeded the opportunity of a new job and moved to a notoriously chilly part of northern England.

Nostalgia's Surprise

Visiting them for Christmas after a long absence, I expected a surge of nostalgic longing. Instead, I found myself yearning for everything that made a summer Christmas unique. Sipping sangria in the sun. Noshing on piles of fresh fruit. Loved ones being just a short drive away. Hot-pink sunsets painting the sky. Suddenly, I was a summer celebration advocate.

"That summer heat soothed the sorrow in significant ways."

This feeling was reinforced after my father passed away. My mother decided to move back to New Zealand. The first Christmas without him was incredibly tough, his absence felt everywhere. Yet, being once again surrounded by family under the gentle heat of the summer sun alleviated the grief in profound ways.

A Self-Proclaimed Hypocrite

All this said, I readily admit to being a massive hypocrite. This year, I'll be spending Christmas during winter in South Korea, and I'm genuinely excited to wander around Seoul in my warmest jacket, hoping for a snowfall. The frosty festive ideal still has a slight grip on me!

Still, I'm keen to return home for another New Year's Day under the Australian summer sun. Knowing my family – including a newborn nephew – will be close by as we enter the new year fills me with a joy my younger self always craved. Not even the fluffiest snow can compare to that feeling.