The Momma Clan

Christmas arrives gently for writers. It does not demand words – it invites them.

For me, this season truly begins when Christmas trees start appearing everywhere. Tall trees glowing in cafés, smaller ones placed lovingly on tables or near counters – each one decorated with care. The soft shimmer of fairy lights, the sparkle of ornaments, and the comforting presence of green in a winter setting instantly lift my mood. These trees feel steady and reassuring, as if they are quietly reminding us to slow down and breathe. And in that quiet reassurance, my writing begins.

I find myself pausing more often just to look at them. There is something deeply calming about a Christmas tree standing in a warmly lit space, watching over conversations, laughter, and solitude all at once. While sitting in a café beside one, I notice how my thoughts begin to settle. Words no longer feel rushed. They arrive gently, one after another, shaped by the glow around me.

Then there are Christmas stockings – hanging near shelves, counters, doors, or walls. They might seem like simple decorations, yet they carry a powerful sense of anticipation. Stockings remind me of childhood, of waiting with hope and excitement, of believing that something good was on its way. That feeling of quiet expectation often finds its way into my writing. It teaches me patience on the page – allowing ideas to unfold naturally rather than forcing them out.

And Santa – cheerful figurines, soft toys, smiling faces peeking from corners – brings a special kind of warmth. Seeing Santa scattered across cafés and stores adds lightness to the air. He represents kindness, generosity, and joy without conditions. As a writer, that symbolism matters to me. It reminds me that not every piece of writing needs depth or complexity. Some writing exists simply to make someone smile, to feel seen, or to feel lighter.

Cafés during Christmas feel like living stories. Trees glow by the windows, stockings hang quietly, Santa stands nearby – everything feels intentionally placed, as though inviting you to stay longer than planned. I often sit with my coffee long after it has gone cold, watching reflections of lights on the glass, letting the décor quietly guide my thoughts. The hum of conversations, soft festive music, and gentle lighting create a rhythm that words easily follow.

These decorations also awaken memories I did not realise I was still carrying. Moments of excitement, belief, and simple happiness resurface. Writing during Christmas becomes more emotional, more honest. I write with feeling rather than structure, with sincerity rather than polish.

What I love most is how these small details transform ordinary days. A regular café visit feels special. A simple pause feels meaningful. And when moments feel meaningful, writing becomes inevitable.

That is why Christmas continues to inspire my writing year after year. Because its trees, stockings, and Santa figures do not merely decorate spaces – they decorate my thoughts. And once my thoughts are lit up, the words find their way naturally.

-Dr. Arwa Saifi