A Very Harry Christmas

Christmas was always a lovely time of year for Harry. At a time when others might have felt abandoned in his position, he got to revel in spending the holiday with the friends who became his family, in the places that became home. And a welcome home, it was! Hogwarts was never a more delightful place to be than when readied for Christmas. The Great Hall decked floor to charmed ceiling. Tables laden with food. And, then, like a winter snow, the quiet after the flurry.

Harry awoke Christmas morning, free from the demanding pretentiousness of the Dursleys. Free from pretending to study as Hermione looked on. Free from Snape’s glares in Potions class. Free to relax before a cozy fire in the Gryffindor common room, whiling away the day with wizarding chess and his best friend Ron Weasley’s companionship.

Another year he was welcomed to the Burrow, with all of it’s quirky hominess. Harry tucked right in, experiencing real contentment and belonging.

There was the year he celebrated Christmas at 12 Grimmauld Place. For all its dark gloominess, it was the people who made it festive.

Christmas is the time of year when it is never truer that “home is where the heart is.” Being with the people he loved made the holiday special for Harry, something to look forward to.

Most of us share that same feeling of excitement and anticipation as Christmas approaches. We hold our loved ones tighter and embrace a spirit of joy and hope. We wear the ugly sweaters (why, yes, I love it, Mrs. Weasley) and listen to the same old stories retold (why, yes, Ron, you ARE the king).

We happily endure it because it’s part of the celebration. It’s part of being welcomed and welcoming. This Christmas, cherish your friends and family as Harry would. For those facing difficulties this Christmas, Leaky sends you all our best wishes, and we hope that you can find comfort in this personal heartfelt message of encouragement from J.K. Rowling herself (full message in this article):

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— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) December 24, 2016

From all of us here at The Leaky Cauldron, we wish you all the best this holiday season. We would love for you to share with us what makes Christmas a magical time for you!