There has been an awful silence here lately, and my recent health was partly to blame for that. After the West Highland Way attempt my body went into strike, maybe for a reason. Ever since then I haven’t ridden a bike, swallowed various types of pills, cough medicine and most recently antibiotics. I am on the way up and still think the Xmas trip will happen. I have left myself some more days for a final decision, as the illness has not only ripped a severe hole in my training schedule and fitness, but also in my confidence. Writing this I am still hopeful to compensate the lack of that with passion. And nevertheless, it is Christmas, a very special time of the year, and the best time to travel for a bit. I can, even a year afterwards, remember sitting in a German cafe on the 4th advent after being invited in as I got hit by a massive snow storm. Experiencing the kindness of strangers on that day and arriving at my parent’s home on Christmas eve were the best presents I ever got for Christmas so far. Shall I be back on the bike on time, I consider that as my first Xmas present.

Which brings me to the topic – presents. The shopping mayhem Christmas has become is wrong. Working in marketing I should maybe shut up and stop here. Maybe not. It would possibly fair to say that I mostly used my skills for the good. However, having lived abroad for a longer time now has totally changed my opinion on Christmas. Recent events in the UK and the world pushed that perception even further. I became to like Christmas, but not for the mad consumerism surrounding it. I became to like it as a special time of the year, a time to reflect the year passed, draw consequences and look ahead.

Last year I decided to cycle home for Christmas. Almost everybody I talked to thought it is at least a challenge, some people thought I am mad. I arrived home without any physical presents, but as a fully satisfied and happy person. I had some tough times in the two weeks that had passed, but I experienced the kindness of both strangers and friends, presents given to me while on the road. At home I was the present, having arrived safely and with stories to tell. It was the best Christmas I ever had!