Matúš Gajdoš wrote to us about his Christmas, traditions, but also small Christmas "accidents".

My Christmas

Christmas is a time for me when everything seems to slow down and home is filled with a special peace. We are more traditionalists – we prefer to spend the holidays at home, in the warmth of our family. In the early evening, we sit down together for a traditional dinner, which has had its unmistakable ritual in our country for years. Every year we cook our favorite dishes – fragrant cabbage soup, schnitzels with potato salad, which we simply must not miss, sweet berries and, of course, fish. Since we have fishermen in our family, fresh fish is almost a symbol of Christmas in our family. And I must not forget cabbage rolls – a recipe that has been passed down in our family for generations. Their smell and taste are so associated with Christmas for us that we can't even imagine it without them.

The most beautiful thing about it all, however, is that we are experiencing these moments with our little son, who is three years old. For both of us, it is the most precious gift we have received in our lives. Christmas has taken on a whole new dimension with him – to see his sparkles in his eyes when we light up the tree, to hear his laughter while decorating or at the first tasting of cookies... This is something that no expensive gift can replace. He reminds us what Christmas really means.

We buy rather modest gifts. We are not interested in large packages under the tree, but in making sure that each gift carries a piece of the heart. We often buy them in advance to avoid the rush, but sometimes it happens that we still run on December 23 for something small that will make someone smile. However, the truth is that we have the greatest gift at home – our family.

During the holidays, we like to take a walk in winter nature. We don't have to travel far – a short trip is enough, and sometimes we have a beautiful day in the Tatras, where we enjoy the snowy trails, views and time spent together. For us, it's the perfect way to switch off, get some fresh air, and regain calm.

I also have many beautiful memories of last Christmas – especially those little moments when the whole family laughs at the little things. Once our tree even fell over when our son tried to touch the tallest decoration, and although it was a small disaster, we still laugh about it today. Such moments stay in the heart the longest.

For me, Christmas is not about gifts, but about people with whom I can spend it. About my wife, who is my strong point, and about my son, who gives our holidays and life itself the most beautiful meaning.

And even though our Christmas is modest, it is sincere, full of love, laughter and moments that I look forward to all year.