Christmas Eve: Wonder in the Quiet Moments
Christmas Eve can bring a swirl of emotions — excitement, pressure, tenderness, nostalgia.
Some people are surrounded by family today.
Others are alone.
Many are somewhere in between.
For some, the hardest part isn’t being alone — it’s feeling lonely while in a room full of people. You might be laughing, sharing food, doing what’s expected… yet still feel unseen or overwhelmed. If that resonates, you’re not failing at Christmas. You’re responding honestly to a complex emotional day.
However this day looks for you, wonder can be a gentle companion.
Today, wonder might look like:
The soft glow of a lamp in the early evening
The scent of something warm cooking
Fresh air on your face when you step outside
A moment of stillness before the next thing
A memory that warms your heart rather than pulls you under
Christmas gatherings can also test our patience. Perhaps there’s a relative who talks a little too much, repeats stories, or struggles to notice when others need space. It can help to remember that for some people, today may be one of the few times they feel truly connected. Their words might be less about filling the silence — and more about easing their own loneliness.
That doesn’t mean you have to ignore your own needs. Stepping outside, finding a quiet room, or allowing yourself moments of pause is not unkind — it’s self-preserving.
It’s also a day when loneliness is felt more sharply by some — especially older adults or those adjusting to a new norm after loss, illness, or change. Christmas can highlight what has shifted. If you feel drawn to reach out, notice someone, or offer a small kindness, trust that instinct. Presence, even in its simplest form, matters.
Let today be a reminder that presence matters more than perfection, and gentleness matters more than rushing.
Whether today is busy or quiet, joyful or tender, I hope you find at least one moment that brings you back to yourself.
Journal Prompt:
What is one gentle moment I can offer myself today?
