Gezelligheid

Gezelligheid is a Dutch abstract noun (adjective form gezellig) which, depending on context, can be translated as convivial, cosy, fun, quaint, or nice atmosphere, but can also connote belonging, time spent with loved ones, the fact of seeing a friend after a long absence, or general togetherness. The word is considered to be an example of untranslatability, and is one of the hardest words to translate to English. Some consider the word to encompass the heart of Dutch culture.

I think there was more gezelligheid when I was younger. I will not say that things were better in "The Good Old Days" because that is a myth (and will always be) but in fact some things were better. Technological developments such as mass media did bring us a lot of good things but has its drawback, it does harm to gezelligheid.

Of course you have to do some effort creating gezelligheid, it comes from the inside for the biggest part.

In my childhood it was easier, we were not so pampered and were satisfied sooner with so much less than nowadays.

I found this photograph in my baby-album. I must have been 3 years old, enchanted by the Christmastree.
To me this is the true Spirit of Christmas.