It’s like London has this massive ego when it comes to Christmas celebrations. Every nook and cranny throughout the city is decked out to the max. Don’t get me wrong, it’s definitely festive. But I also find it a bit worrying. When did Christmas become about glittery decorations?

When I was little, my parents and I would drive around our town, looking at all of our neighbour’s Christmas decorations. It was our little tradition, until my sister and I both reached that age where spending time with family was totally not cool.

We used to laugh at the giant inflatable snowmen, rocking back and forth in the wind. We’d watch the lights shine and admire the light-up reindeer in people’s front yards.

But simple was always the best. My mom’s favourite were the houses with candles lit in every window and wreaths on the door. The homes that looked warm, cozy, and inviting. She never liked the tacky light-shows. To her, the spirt of Christmas was found in the houses that displayed their Christmas trees in their front windows; the homes that were decked out in love.

To me, Christmas is about family. I’m not a big believer in twinkle lights and life-size replicas of Santa’s sleigh, though I appreciate that to some, that’s how they display their holiday joy. But just like my mom, I’m drawn to garland and candles instead of glitter and glam.

Last night, there were groups of friends, growing families, and people of all ages gathering to watch Seven Dials turn on their lights. And while I stood there with the friends who’ve slowly become my little London family, I felt cozy and warm and happy.

Now that’s the spirit of Christmas.