When the Magic Begins: The Pre-Holiday Season Between Excitement and Reality

Slowly, gently, and yet with a quiet persistence — the most magical time of the year is approaching.

Some people already opened the boxes with fairy lights in October, choosing this year’s colour theme for the Christmas tree and planning the first batch of gingerbread. Others are thinking, “there’s still time,” yet their thoughts start wandering toward cosy blankets, mulled wine and the warm smell of cinnamon. And then there are the last-minute spirits — those who start thinking about Christmas only a week before, with no gifts bought, no decorations in sight and shops full of people who clearly had the same idea.

No matter which group we belong to — one thing is certain: the holiday atmosphere is already wrapping around us.
Shops are glittering with decorations, the internet is overflowing with “must-buy” gift ideas, and television keeps playing Christmas movies where everything works out in 90 minutes, snow falls exactly when it should, homes always smell like cookies, and love conquers everything.

But reality? Usually a bit more… spirited.
Kids keep asking when the tree will finally go up, the calendar is bursting with work deadlines, festive events and school performances, the nicest gift wrap is already sold out, the oven is running non-stop — and somewhere in between, we’re searching for a moment of calm. That quiet joy that doesn’t need glitter — just a cup of hot tea, a soft glow of fairy lights and the feeling that we’re together.

And that is the true heart of the holidays.
Not a perfect home.
Not flawless cookies.
Not the most expensive gifts.
But memories, warmth, and those small moments — the ones we don’t plan, yet somehow become the most precious.

👉 Explore more

• 30-minute meals • Taraggon Potica • Stuffed Pumpkin Balls • Donuts