A Better Type of Christmas Reunion

I’m currently reading Alexei Navalny’s book Patriot: A Memoir. A strange coincidence happened as I was making my way through this book. You probably remember Navalny from the news. He was the political activist who tried to expose the blatant corruption in Vladimir Putin's administration. Navalny’s name became known worldwide when he was poisoned by nerve gas while flying to a political rally in Moscow.

Navalny vividly describes waiting for his wife, Yulia Abrosimova, to visit him in the extremist and terrorist camp of Shizo Prison. Reading this book while planning for Christmas activities, I was struck by the similarities between long-awaited Christmas reunions with family and friends. Navalny describes how close the heart can become, even while talking over the prison phone system and separated by a sheet of plexiglass.

Many families go out of their way to decorate and shop for Christmas while missing the most important part of any holiday celebration. Many families have passed down Christmas traditions for generations, but they miss the most important part of the holidays. Navalny reminded me that even from the bleak, grey walls of a prison cell, with a little effort, you can connect at the heart level with the people you love. With this article, I want to challenge you to focus on connecting your heart this holiday season.

Don’t miss the most important part of the Christmas season. In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters: our relationships. Here are some thoughtful suggestions for keeping hearts connected over the holidays:

Embrace technology to bridge distances with family and friends. Plan a virtual holiday gathering where everyone can share stories and laughter together. This effort to connect visually reinforces that distance can’t diminish the bonds of love.

Choose to send heartfelt messages rather than generic cards. Reflect on cherished memories or express your gratitude. A personal touch makes every recipient feel valued and strengthens your connection.

Gather to create new family events that everyone can participate in, no matter their location. A shared recipe or movie night can anchor your holidays, creating lasting memories and deepening your ties.

Consider experiences or heartfelt tokens of appreciation over material gifts. A small gesture that reflects your relationship can speak volumes, enhancing the depth of your connection.

Bring your family and friends together for a gratitude party, sharing what you’re thankful for about each other. Celebrating these warm moments highlights the strength of your relationships and the support you cherish.

Encourage family members to reminisce about past holidays. Create a mental scrapbook where everyone contributes. This preserves memories and fosters bonding, reminding you of the journey you share.

Amid the holiday hustle, strive to be fully present. I know it’s hard to do, but engage in conversations and truly listen. This level of attention nurtures deeper connections, demonstrating how much your loved ones mean to you.

You don’t have to spend a lot of money. Show your care through small acts, whether preparing a meal or checking in on someone you love. These gestures of kindness can create an atmosphere of love and reinforce the bonds you share.

As you celebrate, take the time to plan a future gathering. Knowing there’s something to look forward to can strengthen ties and inspire conversations during the holidays.

Encourage reflections on the past year and share aspirations for the future. This practice fosters empathy and strengthens your collective support network, enriching your connections.

You don’t have to spend time in prison or be separated from the people you love to learn the lessons that Navalny learned. Remember to keep love and connection at the heart of your celebrations this Christmas. By making intentional efforts to keep hearts connected this year, you can create lasting memories that will live on for generations to come.