Travelling with family can be a whirlwind of chaos and joy, revealing sides of each other we rarely see in the routine of daily life. This past Christmas was especially memorable for my family, as it marked the first time in 20 years that we celebrated the festive season with my mum’s side of the family. Living in the UK, while most of our close relatives are in France or Mauritius, has made physical reunions rare. Though we stay connected through daily WhatsApp messages and weekly calls, this year felt different—it was time to bridge the distance.
So, after a gruelling 12-hour drive and a one-hour journey through the Eurotunnel, we arrived in Bordeaux. The excitement was palpable, not just because we were finally together, but also because Boxing Day marked my godfather’s birthday. It added a layer of celebration to our long-awaited reunion. Staying in the same house as my cousins, auntie, and godfather brought a kind of closeness I hadn’t experienced before. We weren’t just family who shared updates from afar—we were living, laughing, and grieving under one roof.
It was clear my parents were determined to make this Christmas unforgettable, especially because my godfather’s health had been deteriorating. My mum, in particular, was brimming with motion. She broke down into tears when she saw her sister after so many years. It was a rare moment of vulnerability that made me see her in a new light. She wasn’t just my mum, the person I turned to for strength and stability; she was also a sister, carrying the weight of love, longing and loss. That moment shaped how I saw her for the rest of the trip and deepened my appreciation for her sacrifices to keep our family connected.
This Christmas wasn’t just about the festivities or the food. It was about discovering what family means when the miles between us disappear. It taught me to cherish the time we have together, to look beyond the roles we play daily, and to embrace the complexities of who we are to each other.
Words by: Camille Valere
Featured image courtesy of Adam Sherez via Unsplash. No changes have been made to this image. Image license found here.