The crisp Austin air tonight carries a familiar, comforting chill, but it’s a cold that feels clean, invigorating, and utterly festive. Merry Christmas (EVE) everyone! As the world settles into the quiet hum of anticipation, my own heart is overflowing with a warmth that defies the December chill. Tonight, Matthew and I indulged in a cherished holiday tradition, one that has unexpectedly reconnected me with a profound sense of wonder: we strolled down 37th Street, soaking in the incredible lights and vibrant festive vibes, and then drove through different parts of Austin to chase even more holiday spirit.
This simple act brought back a powerful wave of nostalgia for me—I used to do this as a kid, bundled up and wide-eyed, mesmerized by the twinkling displays. And what strikes me now, with a heart full of gratitude and a clearer perspective, is that it’s just as magical now as it was then. Moments like these, quiet and profound, remind me how special this time of year truly is and how incredibly lucky I am to share it with someone as amazing as Matthew.
Austin’s Holiday Glow: A City Transformed by Light
Austin, even in its year-round vibrancy, takes on a truly unique and enchanting character during the Christmas season. It’s not the snow-laden, traditional winter wonderland of the North, but rather a brightly lit, often quirky, and wonderfully warm celebration of the holidays.
- 37th Street Lights: This iconic street in North Campus transforms into a dazzling, unofficial outdoor art gallery of Christmas lights. Homeowners go all out, creating elaborate, often eccentric, and always spectacular displays. You’ll see everything from traditional synchronized light shows to whimsical, humorous, and delightfully bizarre installations (think glowing alien figures or enormous inflatable dinosaurs alongside Santa). It’s a walkable feast for the eyes, a true spectacle of community creativity that invites you to slow down, wander, and simply soak in the joyous atmosphere. The air buzzes with laughter, holiday music, and the collective wonder of onlookers.
- Downtown Enchantment: The downtown Austin area truly comes alive. Congress Avenue, lined with historic buildings, is adorned with garlands and lights. The State Capitol building often gleams with a special illumination, and nearby parks host festive events. The city’s unique charm, a blend of urban sophistication and laid-back artistry, is amplified by the holiday decorations, creating a welcoming, celebratory environment. There’s a particular warmth that radiates from the historic buildings draped in festive lights, contrasting beautifully with the cool night air.
- A Unique Texas Christmas: Unlike other cities, Austin’s Christmas doesn’t rely on snow or biting winds (though we’ve had our share of cold lately!). It’s about twinkling lights against clear, dark skies, often with live music echoing from venues, and the lingering scent of festive food. It’s a distinctly Texan holiday spirit – warm-hearted, communal, and a little bit quirky.
My Past Holidays: Shadows and the Choice to Work
This joyful immersion in Austin’s holiday spirit carries a particular weight for me, precisely because the holiday season hasn’t always been this bright. For many years, the period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day was, for me, one of the most challenging and isolating times of the year.
- A History of Loneliness: After my grandparents kicked me out at 16 (a period of profound abandonment I’ve shared in my Wildcard Wanderings), the holidays became a stark reminder of that fractured familial bond. The idealized images of togetherness, of bustling family tables and warmth, often amplified my own deep sadness and sense of being alone. My chosen family, my friends, were there, but the societal pressure of the “traditional” holiday could still feel heavy.
- Opting to Work: My coping mechanism, for many Christmases and Eves, was often to simply opt to work. As an RN, particularly in administration roles that often allowed for holiday shifts, it was a practical solution. The hospital, or the long-term care facility, was a place of purpose, of distraction, and of being needed. It allowed me to channel my energy into patient care, to be surrounded by colleagues, and to avoid the quiet ache of being alone on a day meant for gathering. It was a way to convert personal melancholy into professional purpose, a calculated choice to navigate emotional turbulence through activity. This often meant long, exhausting shifts, but it provided a sense of control over a time that otherwise felt emotionally overwhelming.
A Present Illuminated: Sharing Magic with Someone Amazing
Tonight, however, felt like a powerful reclamation. To stroll through 37th Street, not as a lonely kid searching for magic, but as an adult with a full heart, sharing the laughter and wonder with Matthew—it’s profoundly significant. His presence transforms every experience, making the magic of the lights shine even brighter. His genuine warmth, his shared joy, and his easy companionship are truly the greatest gifts this season.
Moments like these, simple yet deeply resonant, remind me how special this time of year truly is, and how lucky I am to share it with someone amazing who makes every celebration feel authentic and full. This year may have been a rollercoaster of challenges, upheavals, and profound emotional shifts, but nights like this underscore the beauty in small moments, the power of connection, and the sheer joy of creating new, cherished memories. It’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and the unwavering light that love can bring, even after periods of deep darkness.
Let’s end this year on a high note, embracing every glimmer of joy, every shared smile, and every precious memory forged. And with this warmth, this sense of profound happiness, I look forward to carrying this light into 2025, embracing whatever new adventures and possibilities the future holds. Merry Christmas Eve, everyone. May your own hearts be full.