Some Like It Hot: The Argument Against Frosty Festivities Are a Feeble Imitation to Celebrating in Summer.

Should we have gleaned anything from the deluge of holiday movies, ubiquitous decorations, and festively themed songs, it's that the popular narrative has determined Christmas is a holiday best served chilly. Whatever!

The bigwigs residing above the equator may have convinced the world, but that's only because they are without the innate knowledge we denizens of the south possess: a warm Christmas is simply superior. This season is stressful enough – regardless of temperature – but at least we don't have to contend with seasonal depression on top of it all.

A Chilly Childhood

And this isn't just hot air. I spent my entire childhood experiencing cold festive seasons. Despite my family hailing from New Zealand, my father's career meant inevitable international moves. My younger years were scattered across the UK and the US, meaning every December brought dark skies by 4pm and a biting chill on my cheeks. The sole silver lining? The fashion choices; layering is effortlessly chic.

In fairness, a cold Christmas has its charms. It's traditional, classic, and the prospect of snow is truly enchanting. The snug appeal of a frosty gathering is hard to dismiss. Yet, with my extended family on the other side of the world, I always felt I was lacking an authentic celebration that not even the richest hot chocolate could make up for.

A Move to Summer

Everything changed when another move brought my family to Australia. There, I finally experienced a full festive family affair, joined by extended relatives for the first time. With a larger group to entertain, my father got creative in the kitchen, crafting a potent vodka jelly that left everyone reeling. We all slept well that night.

This became our tradition for years – celebrating together with family and friends, complete with water gun fights across the table. That was, until my parents heeded the opportunity of a new job and moved to a notoriously chilly part of northern England.

Nostalgia's Surprise

Visiting them for Christmas after a long absence, I expected a wave of nostalgic longing. Instead, I found myself yearning for everything that made a summer Christmas unique. Sipping sangria in the sun. Feasting upon piles of fresh fruit. Loved ones being just a phone call away. Vibrant sunsets painting the sky. In that moment, I was a summer celebration advocate.

"That summer heat eased the grief in monumental ways."

This feeling was cemented after my father passed away. My mother decided to return home to New Zealand. The first Christmas without him was incredibly tough, his loss palpable everywhere. Yet, being once more surrounded by family under the gentle heat of the summer sun alleviated the grief in monumental ways.

A Self-Proclaimed Hypocrite

All this said, I must confess to being a walking contradiction. This year, I'll be celebrating during winter in South Korea, and I'm genuinely excited to explore Seoul in my warmest jacket, hoping for a snowfall. The cold Christmas propaganda still has a slight grip on me!

Still, I'm keen to return home for another New Year's Day under the bright southern sun. Knowing my family – including a newborn nephew – will be nearby as we enter the new year fills me with a joy my younger self always yearned for. Not even the deepest powder can compare to that feeling.