Finding light in the dark season

As December settles over Denmark, this season invites reflection as much as celebration. For many of us, it can be a mix of joy, nostalgia, and the ups and downs of adjusting to life here, yet small moments of kindness remind us we’re part of something shared. And while Christmas in Denmark is beautifully rooted in tradition, it’s the generosity, openness, and connection we extend to one another that truly bring the season to life.

Image: Yen Ha - Pixabay

Text: Lyndsay Jensen

The quiet courage of kindness

As we step into the heart of the festive season, I find myself thinking about kindness - not the grand, cinematic kind we see in Love Actually or The Holiday, but the quieter moments that happen off-screen, in real life. The kind that shows up in a neighbour who helps you decipher a piece of official mail, a colleague who notices when you’re quiet, or a stranger who holds the door a moment longer than necessary.

Kindness is its own form of courage. And for many internationals in Denmark, it is also a lifeline.

Sometimes, though, the darkness of winter and the weight of being far from familiar faces can feel heavy. Denmark, like many places, has experienced a high rate of suicide - a reminder that even when it seems like everyone else is celebrating, some of us may be struggling in silence. If you ever feel overwhelmed or despairing this season, please consider reaching out for help. In Denmark, you can call the national helpline at 116 123 (available 24/7) to speak with someone.

And if you know someone who’s alone this Christmas - a fellow international, a friend, an acquaintance - consider inviting them in. Sometimes a shared meal, a warm conversation, or just company can make a world of difference.

Seeking the positive and embracing change

As we close out the year, I encourage you to look for the positive moments in your life. They may be small, but they are important - a conversation that made you smile, a personal milestone reached quietly, or even the discovery of a new favourite café on a cold afternoon. Noticing the good doesn’t erase the difficult, but it does remind us that hope and possibility are always present.

And if you’re in a season of transition, perhaps searching for a job, rethinking your career, or craving more meaning - this is your moment. December has a way of pushing us inward, urging us to be honest with ourselves about what we want. If you’re happily employed, celebrate the stability and satisfaction that brings. If you’re seeking something new, take heart: change often begins with the simple belief that something better is possible.

I’ve seen countless posts and conversations lately about following your passion - especially as we get older. Many people speak as though passion has an expiration date, but I don’t believe that. Reinvention is not a privilege; it’s a practice. If this season tells us anything, it’s that renewal is possible for all of us, whether we’re 25 or 65.

Paying it forward and staying open to Denmark

And while we pursue our individual dreams, let’s also take a moment to think collectively. The idea of paying it forward is something I hold dear. A small gesture - an introduction for someone seeking work, offering to review a CV, inviting a newcomer for coffee - these can ripple further than we ever realise. Our international community thrives when we lift each other, when we share what we can, when we look out for the person who might be struggling silently.

At the same time, I encourage all of us to keep an open mind toward Denmark itself. This country has its quirks, its intricacies, its systems that can feel impossible one day and elegantly efficient the next. But it also has immense beauty - both in its people and its values. There is so much to learn here, so much to appreciate. And in return, you bring your languages, your skills, your humour, your curiosity, your stories. That exchange is what makes our community vibrant and resilient.

“Kindness is free - yet it is the wealthiest gift we can give.” Let that be our motto, not just for Christmas, but for the year ahead.

On a personal note, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to my team. This year brought unexpected challenges for my family and me that required time, care, and emotional bandwidth. Throughout it all, my team showed understanding, compassion, and unwavering support. Their dedication to our mission at The International Denmark allowed us to continue doing meaningful work even when life pulled me in a different direction.

To my team: thank you for being steady when I could not be. Thank you for your professionalism, your creativity, and your humanity. I am profoundly grateful.

To our readers: thank you for being part of this community - whether you’ve been with us for years or just discovered us today. Your engagement, insights, and stories fuel what we do. You remind us why connection matters.

As we move into Christmas and prepare for a new year, I hope you find light in unexpected places. I hope you experience kindness and give it generously. I hope you recognise your own strength, your own contributions, and your own journey - wherever it is taking you next.

And before I sign off, a little teaser: we’ll soon be celebrating The International Denmark’s 8th birthday with a special get-together in Copenhagen. I would love to see many of you there, so keep an eye on our social channels for details.

Wishing you peace, joy, and moments of true warmth this season.

From my heart to yours,

Lyndsay Jensen

Editor-in-Chief & Founder