I'm currently reading “The Magic Mountain”. Have I really been enchanted by it? This mammoth novel by Thomas Mann was published exactly 100 years ago and is now being celebrated in many feature pages. As I immerse myself in this timeless story, I'm also gripped by an almost magical Christmas spirit that I celebrate with abandon: I'm drinking fragrant Christmas tea, I'm already snacking on the first home-baked cookies, I've hung fairy lights around the apartment and bought new, beautiful Christmas candles. They light up for me in quiet moments, especially when I'm sitting at my desk and soaking up the festive atmosphere.
In the midst of this mood, I think of the movie “Merry Christmas” (Joyeux Noël, 2005) and the events of the Christmas truce during the First World War - one of the most touching episodes in history. On December 24 and 25, 1914, soldiers from different nations - French, German and Scottish - spontaneously laid down their arms. Together they sang Christmas carols, exchanged small gifts and even played a soccer match. This film is based on these historical events and tells them from different perspectives. It powerfully shows how the universal spirit of humanity can shine even in the darkest of times. Here is the trailer: https://youtu.be/aQHXNgJXcZg. No one can remain untouched by the scenes of Christmas peace. I recommend the article “Christmas between war and peace: a reminder of the essentials” by Bettina. A clear recommendation for reading, which also addresses the Christmas truce and reminds us of the essentials. Click here for the article: https://www.bettinas-jungbrunnen.de/archive/5205 (the text is in german. but you can translate it into english yourself via google etc.).
For me, the Christmas season inevitably includes snow. In The Magic Mountain, especially in the Snow chapter, the winter landscape is captured in all its beauty and cold. These scenes interweave the outer stillness of winter with the inner reflection that Hans Castorp experiences. The snow becomes a symbol of contemplation, but also of the transience of life. Christmas, it seems, is always also a conclusion - the end of a year before the next chapter is opened.
The older I get, the more I feel the constant change of life. Nothing lasts. But decay always means renewal. Where something old passes away, space is created for something new. Especially during Advent, we can consciously perceive this universal principle. Despite the challenges that change brings with it, the approaching 1st Advent is an invitation to pause for a moment. An opportunity to reflect, draw strength and enjoy moments of warmth in the company of our loved ones.
Rainer Maria Rilke wrote in a letter to Ilse Blumenthal-Weiss in 1922: “The real joy of Christmas lies in quiet gratitude.” This thought echoes in my mind as I sit at my desk. The Christmas candle flickers softly, a steaming Christmas tea exudes its spicy aroma, and I feel gratitude - for all the big and small things in life that often seem to be taken for granted.
Sapere aude!
S.
The link to the original German text: https://www.ganjingworld.com/s/bGk7wyK4XB
