<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>family Archives - Braving Boundaries</title> <atom:link href="https://bravingboundaries.com/tag/family/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://bravingboundaries.com/tag/family/</link> <description>PROFESSIONAL LIFE COACHING & TRAINING</description> <lastBuildDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 14:41:10 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-ZA</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <image> <url>https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Asset-1.svg</url> <title>family Archives - Braving Boundaries</title> <link>https://bravingboundaries.com/tag/family/</link> <width>32</width> <height>32</height> </image> <item> <title>If Our Lives Were a Movie</title> <link>https://bravingboundaries.com/if-our-lives-were-a-movie/</link> <comments>https://bravingboundaries.com/if-our-lives-were-a-movie/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[friedaL2020]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 14:40:58 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Celebrations & Festivities]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Communication]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Effective communication]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Personal Growth]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Self-awareness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Self-care]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Self-reflection]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Stress & Anxiety]]></category> <category><![CDATA[boundaries]]></category> <category><![CDATA[chronic illness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[family]]></category> <category><![CDATA[festive reflection]]></category> <category><![CDATA[honesty]]></category> <category><![CDATA[life lessons]]></category> <category><![CDATA[love actually]]></category> <category><![CDATA[mental health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[personal growth]]></category> <category><![CDATA[relationships]]></category> <category><![CDATA[self-worth]]></category> <category><![CDATA[year-end reflection]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bravingboundaries.com/?p=235481</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The post <a href="https://bravingboundaries.com/if-our-lives-were-a-movie/">If Our Lives Were a Movie</a> appeared first on <a href="https://bravingboundaries.com">Braving Boundaries</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_0 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_0"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_0 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_0 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h5><strong><span style="color: #be9727;"><em>WRITTEN BY ALICIA KOCH, FOUNDER OF <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a style="color: #be9727; text-decoration: underline;" href="https://legalwhizz.wixsite.com/thelegalbelletrist">THE LEGAL BELLETRIST</a></span> </em></span></strong></h5></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_1 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2><strong>Rated ‘U’ for Unexpected: A Love, Actually Remake Starring Me, a Bear, and a Maine Coon</strong></h2></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_2 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p class="p1">As a certified, card-carrying love fool – the kind who still believes Hugh Grant can dance and that a handwritten sign is the peak of romantic communication – I decided to view my year through the soft-focus, ensemble-cast lens of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9Z3_ifFheQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1"><i>Love, Actually</i></span></a>. It seemed fitting. I am a complete romantic, I always root for the underdog (usually me and my perpetually swollen joints), and frankly, my life often feels like a series of interconnected, slightly chaotic subplots that sometimes involve airport scenes that drag on too long.</p> <p class="p1">This year’s production was an emotional rollercoaster, complete with a heartwarming soundtrack, a pivotal Christmas pageant scene (metaphorically speaking), and enough anti-inflammatories and painkillers to sedate a small elephant.</p></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_3 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h3><strong>The Prime Minister and the Tea Lady (That’s Me and My Boundaries)</strong></h3></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_0"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="2000" height="1500" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Metal-door-View-more-by-pixbox77-from-Getty-Images.jpg" alt="Metal door View more by pixbox77 from Getty Images" title="Metal door View more by pixbox77 from Getty Images" class="wp-image-235497" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_4 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p class="p1">My main plotline, much like the Prime Minister’s awkward-but-charming romance with the tea lady, Natalie, was learning to put myself first and establish some much-needed boundaries. I spent years being the human equivalent of a revolving door for other people’s dramas, other people’s outrageous lies, always apologetic, always in pain, but perpetually available for a crisis I didn’t create.</p> <p class="p1">This year, the door was firmly shut and possibly reinforced with hardened steel, much to the chagrin of my autoimmune system, which decided to throw a flare-up party every time I used the word “no.” My anxiety disorder provided a running commentary from the sidelines: <i>“Are you sure you should have said that? They hate you now. You’re going to die alone.”</i> (My anxiety is a dramatic diva. Much like me).</p> <p class="p1">The result? A rather surprising revelation about my supporting cast. The people who complained about the new boundaries turned out to be the ones using the revolving door as a shortcut. The friends who stayed? They brought casseroles, respected the “Do Not Disturb” sign, and didn’t mind when I cancelled plans because my psoriatic arthritis decided my ankle looked like a balloon. It turns out that true friendship, much like good lighting in a British rom com, doesn’t need constant negotiation. It just works.</p></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_5 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h3><strong>Sarah and Karl (The Family Plot Twist)</strong></h3></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_1"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img decoding="async" width="2000" height="1500" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Woman-Recording-Video-of-Cat-View-more-by-Yasar-Baskurt-from-Pexels.jpg" alt="Woman Recording Video of Cat View more by Yaşar Başkurt from Pexels" title="Woman Recording Video of Cat View more by Yaşar Başkurt from Pexels" class="wp-image-235496" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_6 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p class="p1">My Sarah/Karl storyline was perhaps the most poignant and least-dramatic heartbreak of the year. Sarah is the lovely woman who puts her life on hold for her institutionalised brother, sacrificing her chance with Karl, the gorgeous office crush. It’s a beautifully painful subplot about duty and impossible timing.</p> <p class="p1">My twist, however, was about redefining “family.” I had to accept a hard truth – some family can’t be chosen, and sometimes, they choose not to choose you back. The phone call that interrupts the perfect romantic moment with Karl is a painful reality check.</p> <p class="p1">But here’s the unexpected cinematic magic: other family members, whom I’d never been particularly close to in my sordid past, stepped into the void and became everything to me. It was a beautiful, quiet realisation that connection is measured not in shared DNA, but in shared presence. My “Karl” moment was a pivot toward people who answered the phone when I called, rather than letting it ring out.</p> <p class="p1">They also send rather cute cat videos via Instagram and WhatsApp. I’m lucky like that.</p></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_7 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h3><strong>Jamie and Aurélia (Telling My Clients the Truth)</strong></h3></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_2"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img decoding="async" width="2000" height="1500" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Discovering-the-truth-View-more-by-esolla-from-Getty-Images-Signature.jpg" alt="Discovering the truth View more by esolla from Getty Images Signature" title="Discovering the truth View more by esolla from Getty Images Signature" class="wp-image-235495" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_8 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p class="p1">Jamie (Colin Firth) learns Portuguese for Aurélia, the beautiful housekeeper he can barely communicate with. It’s a grand, slightly mad gesture of connection.</p> <p class="p1">In my professional life, I had my own “learn Portuguese” moment. Instead of jargon and corporate-speak, my “Portuguese” was vulnerability. Telling clients my truth – setting realistic expectations, admitting when my chronic illness meant I needed more time, and being transparent about my capacity. It felt incredibly risky, especially with my depression whispering that I was surely about to be fired.</p> <p class="p1">The result? Stronger, deeper, and more respectful relationships. They didn’t fire me. Instead, they appreciated the honesty. We’re no longer just colleagues, we’re a united front against deadlines. Who knew honesty was the ultimate business development tool?</p></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_9 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h3><strong>The Sidekick: Georgia Peach</strong></h3></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_3"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img decoding="async" width="2000" height="1500" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Majestic-Maine-Coon-Cat-on-Cozy-Sofa-View-more-by-Ludovic-Delot-from-Pexels.jpg" alt="Majestic Maine Coon Cat on Cozy Sofa View more by Ludovic Delot from Pexels" title="Majestic Maine Coon Cat on Cozy Sofa View more by Ludovic Delot from Pexels" class="wp-image-235494" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_10 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p class="p1">Every leading lady needs a fabulous sidekick. Mine wasn’t the delightfully sassy <i>Love, Actually</i> assistant, Mia. I have a full “Hairy Board of Directors.” I am a mother of cats, four perfect creatures who demand tribute and offer unconditional moral support.</p> <p class="p1">Special mention is to my Georgia Peach, my soul cat, and a majestic Maine Coon kitty. She is the quiet observer of my grand romantic gestures and dramatic boundary-setting. She was the hairy, purring anchor during every emotional scene, reminding me that the world looks better from the top of the refrigerator, and that all problems can be temporarily solved by demanding treats. Great minds think alike in that way.</p> <p class="p1">The other three – well, they mostly just reminded me that if I collapse in pain, they might eat my face, but they’d <i>probably</i> feel bad about it later. They taught me that sometimes the best form of support is simply curling up next to someone and not judging their choice of rom-com or the staggering amount of pain relief on my bedside table.</p></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_11 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h3><strong>My Happily Ever After: Big Bear and the Matchmaking Kitty</strong></h3></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_4"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img decoding="async" width="2000" height="1500" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Loving-Supportive-Husband-Holding-Hand-of-Sad-Wife-View-more-by-dimaberlinphotos-2.jpg" alt="Loving Supportive Husband Holding Hand of Sad Wife View more by dimaberlinphotos (2)" title="Loving Supportive Husband Holding Hand of Sad Wife View more by dimaberlinphotos (2)" class="wp-image-235492" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_12 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p class="p1">My life is a movie where I hit the jackpot in love, although it wasn’t always this way. In a previous subplot, my first cat, Hugo Boss, a big ginger kitty with excellent taste in suitors, actually helped me choose my husband. He just knew.</p> <p class="p1">And my husband, whom I lovingly call Big Bear, showed up this year – as he always does (truly) – in so many ways. He’s the quiet hero who doesn’t need a spotlight, but who ensures the show goes on. He’s the safe harbour when the autoimmune storm rages, the one who patiently listens to my anxiety’s dramatic monologues. Our love story is the stable, grounding storyline that balances out my personal chaos.</p> <p class="p1">And when in doubt he supplies ice-cream. And that works too.</p></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_13 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2><strong>What I Learned in the Final Reel</strong></h2></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_14 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p class="p1">As the credits prepared to roll on my year, I looked back at the messy, beautiful montage of my life. The scenes involving severe joint pain and depressive episodes didn’t make the final cut, but their lessons certainly remained.</p> <p class="p1">I learned to be kinder to myself and those in my immediate circle. It’s a small cast, but a stellar one. I learned patience – everyone truly does get what they deserve, though sometimes the universe’s delivery schedule is slower than international airmail at Christmas.</p> <p class="p1">And the biggest takeaway? The truth will out. It always does. You can’t hide behind flimsy excuses or avoidance forever. Honesty, with others and especially yourself, sets you free. Usually in slow motion, and possibly to a Sugababes song.</p> <p class="p1">As we all prepare to dash through our respective airport terminals to meet our future selves, I gently invite you to reflect on your own blockbuster year with compassion, humour (most definitely), and a sense of closure. What was your main plot twist? Who was your unlikely sidekick? What truth finally found its way out?</p> <p class="p1">Grab a box of tissues, cue the festive music, and let’s end this year in a way that makes us feel good about what’s to come in 2026. This is our cinematic homecoming. Remember: Love (of self, boundaries, very large cats, a supportive Big Bear, and a decent pain management plan), actually, <i>is</i> all around.</p> <p class="p1">Happy reflecting and Merry Christmas!</p></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_divider et_pb_divider_0 et_pb_divider_position_bottom et_pb_space"><div class="et_pb_divider_internal"></div></div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_1 et_pb_gutters1"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_4 et_pb_column_1 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_5"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img decoding="async" width="1080" height="1080" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Alicia-Koch-The-Legal-Belletrist.jpg" alt="" title="Alicia Koch - The Legal Belletrist" class="wp-image-1704" /></span> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_3_4 et_pb_column_2 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_15 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner">About the Author, <strong><em>Alicia Koch, Founder of The Legal Belletrist.</em></strong> Alicia, an admitted attorney with over 10 years PQE, and now a legal writer and researcher, has established The Legal Belletrist to assist companies (in different sectors) to write well-researched articles that speak to each company’s core business, enabling growth and commercialism.</p> <p>Click here to visit <a href="https://legalwhizz.wixsite.com/thelegalbelletrist">The Legal Belletrist website</a>. <strong>Email: <a href="mailto:alicia@thebelletrist.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alicia@thebelletrist.com</a> </strong></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>The post <a href="https://bravingboundaries.com/if-our-lives-were-a-movie/">If Our Lives Were a Movie</a> appeared first on <a href="https://bravingboundaries.com">Braving Boundaries</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://bravingboundaries.com/if-our-lives-were-a-movie/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>It’s a holly jolly Christmas… almost</title> <link>https://bravingboundaries.com/its-a-holly-jolly-christmas-almost/</link> <comments>https://bravingboundaries.com/its-a-holly-jolly-christmas-almost/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[friedaL2020]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 12 Dec 2023 09:56:53 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Celebrations & Festivities]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Change]]></category> <category><![CDATA[celebration]]></category> <category><![CDATA[change]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Chanukah]]></category> <category><![CDATA[childhood]]></category> <category><![CDATA[choir]]></category> <category><![CDATA[christmas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[christmas blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Christmas lunch]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Christmas movies]]></category> <category><![CDATA[church service]]></category> <category><![CDATA[decorations]]></category> <category><![CDATA[family]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Hanukkah]]></category> <category><![CDATA[hope]]></category> <category><![CDATA[love]]></category> <category><![CDATA[memories]]></category> <category><![CDATA[nativity]]></category> <category><![CDATA[new traditions]]></category> <category><![CDATA[reminisce]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Santa]]></category> <category><![CDATA[tinsel]]></category> <category><![CDATA[tradition]]></category> <category><![CDATA[trimmings]]></category> <category><![CDATA[turkey]]></category> <category><![CDATA[wishes]]></category> <category><![CDATA[xmas]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bravingboundaries.com/?p=5770</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The post <a href="https://bravingboundaries.com/its-a-holly-jolly-christmas-almost/">It’s a holly jolly Christmas… almost</a> appeared first on <a href="https://bravingboundaries.com">Braving Boundaries</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_1 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_2"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_3 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_16 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h5><span style="color: #be9727;"><em>CO-WRITTEN BY FRIEDA LEVYCKY, FOUNDER OF <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.bravingboundaries.com/" style="color: #be9727; text-decoration: underline;">BRAVING BOUNDARIES</a></span>, AND ALICIA KOCH, FOUNDER OF <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://legalwhizz.wixsite.com/thelegalbelletrist" style="color: #be9727; text-decoration: underline;">THE LEGAL BELLETRIST</a></span> </em></span></h5> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We have come to that time of the year when Christmas decorations are up and festive music is playing in malls, in shops, on the radio and on tv. Best like Boney-M or you’re in trouble…</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We are surrounded by green and red tinsel and running around trying to make the most of Black Friday specials – special gifts for loved ones at a fraction of the cost? Yes please!</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">And with all the decorations, music and tinsel, a lot of us revert to childhood. When we believed in Santa, leaving milk and cookies on fireplace mantels or windowsills – in case he needed a snack. We remember the excitement of waking up on Christmas Day to find gifts under the tree. We hum old Christmas carols, and a smile begins to show on the corners of our mouths… let’s be honest, who doesn’t feel a little like a kid at this time of year?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Traditions aplenty come to the fore and a lot of us remember times passed, hoping to make the same memories now that we’re older. After all, it’s those traditions that often keep family and friends together – whether they like each other or not.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">And all of this got Frieda and I reminiscing about our own childhood Christmases. As much as we know that life changes and there is an immense joy in creating new traditions and memories, there is a nostalgia for the familiarities of our past … and, really, who can blame us? </span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/72x72/1f60a.png" alt="😊" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_6"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="810" height="450" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/father-christmas.jpeg" alt="father christmas and kids" title="father christmas" class="wp-image-5778" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_17 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2><strong>Alicia’s childhood Christmas traditions</strong></h2></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_18 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Being Jewish my childhood Christmas traditions are a little different to most.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">First off Christmas coincides with Chanukah – our own “festival of lights” – where we light a 7 branched candelabra called a menorah, every night for 8 nights. It’s to symbolize the reclaiming of our Holy Temple (during the second century BCE). </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While I didn’t have a Christmas tree, we lit the menorah every night during the lead up to Christmas. I remember it so clearly… my grandpa would turn off all the lights in the house so that the only light would come from the menorah. When we turned lights back on, there was a small gift left in front of me. Nothing big or expensive. A token really. But I really looked forward to those nights – for the lights … and the prezzies. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Back in the day, and on Christmas Eve, all shops and restaurants in South Africa would close for the night. Every single one, except the local Chinese restaurant. So, every single Christmas Eve from before I can even remember, saw my family ordering sweet and sour chicken with egg fried rice on Christmas Eve. A family staple. We had fortune cookies and bowties and there was an amazing festive atmosphere. My grandmother would buy Christmas crackers – which I loved – and we would all wear the silly hats, going around the table telling the silly jokes from the crackers. It was a big celebration with family. This happened every year until my grandfather passed in 2001. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Christmas Day saw us spending time with my uncle who had married out of the faith. That’s where I got to experience my first Christmas fir tree – with all the lavish decorations. We had a full Christmas lunch complete with turkey (and delicious stuffing) and of course, Christmas pudding. Then came the gifts – all wrapped up in green and red splendour. It was sublime. Every year on Christmas Day I felt like I had entered another world – complete with sparkly things, with delicious things and because I was the only niece, with gifts galore. It was fantastic. And I could truly see what all the fuss was about. This carried on until I was in to my early 20’s. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Another Christmas staple was watching </span><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096061/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Scrooged.</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> It came out when I was 6 and I have watched it every single year since. That’s 35 years of watching the same movie – you would’ve thought I’d be bored of it by now. Not a chance! I love the movie and cannot wait to watch it again this year.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It was truly a magical way to grow up. And because of that, I absolutely love this time of year!</span></p></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_7"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="810" height="450" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/hannukah.jpeg" alt="hannukah" title="hannukah" class="wp-image-5777" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_19 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2><b>How have Alicia’s family traditions changed?</b></h2></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_20 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As is the course of things, traditions change. And then they change again. At least that’s the case for me. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When my husband and I moved into our home, we decided that we wanted to build our own traditions. We borrowed the Chinese take-out from my childhood on Christmas Eve, only now I get to drink tsing tsao (a Chinese beer) or even better, sake (and yes, I know these food and beverage items are unrelated). We also watch Scrooged without fail and with full bellies and happy hearts usually have an early night. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Christmas Day has seen me host a big Christmas lunch for the last couple of years – I would cook for days before so there was always a real spread – turkey and stuffing included. My family would come over and any friend that didn’t have somewhere to go would join. That always meant our house was full to the brim with laughter and jokes, food and drink, music being played, kids in the swimming pool (because it’s always so hot) and love all around. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sadly, this all changed in 2022 when my uncle and dear family friend emigrated to Australia and the UK respectively, and my grandmother and, most recently, my aunt passed away. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">These days my husband and I choose to go out for lunch – instead of cooking a big spread just for us two. Any friends who have nowhere to go, will join us at our favourite Greek restaurant, </span><a href="https://www.eatout.co.za/venue/kolonaki-greek-kouzina/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Kolonaki </span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">in Parkhurst. In fact, I’m really looking forward to some scrumptious lamb chops this year – nom nom nom…</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Life has changed and so have our traditions. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. We still laugh and joke, there’s still food galore, there’s still music and festivities. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It’s still a lovely way to celebrate the holiday season. And I’m very grateful for that.</span></p> <p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">What about you Frieda?</span></i></p></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_8"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="810" height="450" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/christmas-friends.jpeg" alt="" title="christmas friends" class="wp-image-5776" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_21 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2><b>Frieda’s childhood Christmas traditions</b></h2></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_22 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Christmas has always been my favourite celebration! I mean, as a Brit, how could it not be? The build up to Christmas always offers a welcome reprieve from the cold, dark creep of October and November. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As the city centres turn on their Christmas lights, the childlike enthusiasm comes to the fore. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Local stores ward off the cold by serving their Christmas blends of eggnog latte, spiced apple cider, gingerbread mocha and traditional mulled wine; carolers go “a-wassailing” bundled up in as many layers as humanly possible; Christmas jumpers are fished out from the bottom drawer and proudly paraded in public; and parents discover their newfound capabilities to transform a velvet curtain into a wise-man’s robe for the annual nativity play. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There is a joy, a merriment, a creativity, and just a bit more of a willingness to “go with the flow” as December steers its course.</span></p></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_9"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="960" height="720" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/shephards.jpeg" alt="" title="shephards" class="wp-image-5775" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_23 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">My memories of Christmas as a child all orientate around my family, and three memories clearly spring to mind:</span></p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_3 et_pb_gutters1"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_4 et_pb_column_4 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_10"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="1080" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/1.png" alt="" title="1" class="wp-image-1486" /></span> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_3_4 et_pb_column_5 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_24 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Christmas for us really began on 1</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">st</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> December when our first presents arrived. Nanna and mum used to make my sister and I personalised advent calendars with small gifts ranging from a Santa chocolate bar, to a snowman key ring, to a reindeer nose, to a miniature snow globe. Every morning, my sister and I would leap out of bed to rip open our latest pressies! In hindsight, I’m pretty sure mum’s enthusiasm for the advent calendar benefited her just as much as it excited us. December was the only month we ever left the house for school on time </span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/72x72/1f60a.png" alt="😊" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></span></p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_4 et_pb_gutters1"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_4 et_pb_column_6 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_11"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="1080" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/2.png" alt="" title="2" class="wp-image-1487" /></span> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_3_4 et_pb_column_7 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_25 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As members of the church and school choir, December was always chock-a-block with rehearsals for the school Christmas concert, nativity play and the various carol services. We even got to sing with Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Bouquet</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> if you quote Patricia Routledge) at the Liverpool Philharmonic one year! Now, that was fun (even though we did get told off by our parents for getting a fit of the giggles during the concert)! </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Christmas morning church service was always my favourite though. It was the only day in the year that pets were allowed in church and, as you can imagine, it was chaos! Dogs peeing on pews, budgies escaping from cages and cats clawing the clergy. Someone even brought a snake once to get blessed! The poor vicar – he didn’t know what to do with himself! I always loved that service. Everyone in the congregation participated: heartily singing the Christmas hymns (not worrying about whether or not they were in tune) and embracing the chaos that ensued around them. It was all about patience, love and kindness … and for us kiddies … the Christmas pressies that followed </span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/72x72/1f60a.png" alt="😊" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></span></p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_5 et_pb_gutters1"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_4 et_pb_column_8 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_12"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="1080" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/3.jpg" alt="" title="3" class="wp-image-1488" /></span> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_3_4 et_pb_column_9 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_26 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Another Christmas Day tradition was the afternoon Christmas movie which we all watched together right after the Queen’s Speech. From Home Alone to Santa Clause the Movie to Indiana Jones to Crocodile Dundee. Nope the latter two are not Christmas Movies, but they were always shown on the 25</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">th</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">! I think the Christmas Day movie became a tradition due to the fact that none of us could move after over-indulging in the Christmas feast! Whatever the reason though, it’s a tradition that still occurs every time I celebrate Christmas back in the UK and a tradition that conjures up many happy memories for me and my family.</span></p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_6"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_10 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_13"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="810" height="450" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/grandfather-and-granddaughter-christmas.jpeg" alt="" title="grandfather and granddaughter christmas" class="wp-image-5774" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_27 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2><b>How have Frieda’s Christmas traditions changed?</b></h2></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_28 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Even the thought of pulling on a wooly Christmas jumper on 25</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">th</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> December makes me break out in a mild sweat! Christmas these days is spent in 26 degree heat, hiking the dogs up Table Mountain for their Christmas walk, braaiing seafood on the barbecue and having a dip in the pool! South African weather is not exactly conducive to English traditional Christmas attire! </span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/72x72/1f60a.png" alt="😊" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Despite the heat though, the tradition of “family” still infuses Christmas Day. Each year, instead of celebrating Christmas with my clan, I get to celebrate with my husband’s family – a big, raucous bunch, crossing multiple generations, who enjoy Christmas just as much as mine do. It’s a day filled with games (Secret Santa, pass the parcel, and whatever the latest TikTok trend is), a Christmas quiz (of course) and funny tales about family members who are no longer with us. Each Christmas also has a theme for the Secret Santa gifts. These have included “naughty Santa” pressies, “drinks”, “red & gold” and, for this year, the theme is “do it yourself”. No one is allowed to buy a present – they need to get creative and make something. Heaven help us! </span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/72x72/1f60a.png" alt="😊" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_14"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="960" height="960" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Frieda-Justin-and-the-dogs-dressed-up-for-Christmas.jpg" alt="" title="Frieda, Justin and the dogs dressed up for Christmas" class="wp-image-5780" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_29 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Friends who are alone for Christmas also come over and join in the merriment. It’s an invitation that I love to extend and have learned from being an expat. There were many Christmases that I couldn’t get back to the UK and was always grateful when friends invited me over in Singapore, Japan, and Geneva. No one should be alone for Christmas, in my view, and we love sharing our crazy new traditions with our friends.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The one tradition that has carried through though (well, at least when I am hosting) is the Christmas lunch. Turkey, pigs in blankets, Brussel sprouts and bacon, caramelised parsnips, roast potatoes and, of course, Christmas pudding and mince pies, are aplenty (even if they are cooked on the braai)! It brings that little bit of English tradition to South Africa. And, quite frankly, Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without them. </span></p></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_15"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="960" height="720" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Frieda-and-family-for-Christmas.jpg" alt="" title="Frieda and family for Christmas" class="wp-image-5781" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_30 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2><b>Making the most of our Christmas traditions </b></h2></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_31 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Christmas traditions of both Frieda and me revolve around family and friends, around togetherness and – of course – around merriment. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It’s a time of year where we are encouraged to be around other people – regardless of what religion we practice. We do our utmost to come together in one way or another. Perhaps it’s not always in person, perhaps all you’re able to do is a Video call. But the thread that binds us all through the festive season is the need to be together. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Life may change, our traditions may need to adapt but the one sure thing that we can all agree on is this – however you celebrate during the festive season, whatever traditions you may need to adapt or change, whoever you spend your Christmas with, we hope you do so with love and warmth in your heart.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, and Happy New Year to all!</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Frieda & Alicia xx</span></p></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_divider et_pb_divider_1 et_pb_space"><div class="et_pb_divider_internal"></div></div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_7 et_pb_gutters1"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_4 et_pb_column_11 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_16"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="1080" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Alicia-Koch-The-Legal-Belletrist.jpg" alt="" title="Alicia Koch - The Legal Belletrist" class="wp-image-1704" /></span> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_3_4 et_pb_column_12 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_32 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p>About the Co-author, <strong><em>Alicia Koch, Founder of The Legal Belletrist.</em></strong></p> <p>Alicia, an admitted attorney with over 10 years PQE, and now a legal writer and researcher, has established The Legal Belletrist to assist companies (in different sectors) to write well-researched articles that speak to each company’s core business, enabling growth and commercialism. </p> <p>Click here to visit<span> </span><a href="https://legalwhizz.wixsite.com/thelegalbelletrist">The Legal Belletrist website</a>.</p> <p><strong>Email: legalwhizz@gmail.com </strong></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_2 et_clickable et_pb_fullwidth_section et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_fullwidth_image et_pb_fullwidth_image_0"> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="810" height="450" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/CTA-for-Christmas-Blog-2023.jpg" alt="" title="CTA for Christmas Blog 2023" class="wp-image-5786" /> </div> </div></p> <p>The post <a href="https://bravingboundaries.com/its-a-holly-jolly-christmas-almost/">It’s a holly jolly Christmas… almost</a> appeared first on <a href="https://bravingboundaries.com">Braving Boundaries</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://bravingboundaries.com/its-a-holly-jolly-christmas-almost/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> </channel> </rss>