Between Christmas and New Year: Looking Back and Looking Forward December 19, 2022
Our Danish course wrapped up today, and I can hardly believe how much we've learned in that time. Dorte lights up every time I raise my hand—I'll admit it, I'm diving in with full enthusiasm and trying to use every opportunity to practice. The language feels almost familiar by now, though I'm not under any illusions: my first real small talk at the supermarket or ordering at a restaurant in Denmark will definitely still be a challenge. But at least this much is solid: "Jeg vil gerne have en kop kaffe" (I'd like a cup of coffee) is coming along nicely!
Alongside the language learning, quite a lot has happened in recent weeks. Our evenings usually end with us scrolling through house listings together. It's become almost a ritual—sitting on the couch with a cup of tea, tablet on our laps, dreaming ourselves into our future home. Come early summer, we want to start viewing. Michael is already in regular contact with a real estate agent—mostly in English, but he's already slipping in the occasional Danish sentence we've learned in class.
For now, our plan remains our sweet little secret—only the group at the adult education center knows about it. It feels good to let this dream grow quietly, without the (well-meaning, I'm sure) comments and advice coming from all directions.
The practical aspects are slowly taking shape. We've looked into job opportunities, and it's making us optimistic. Sure, Denmark isn't exactly a bargain paradise—especially when it comes to cars. There's a reason they supposedly say "køb en bil, betal tre" (buy a car, pay three) over there. But other things more than make up for it: the healthcare system, for instance, is supposedly among the best in Europe.
It's a strange feeling, sitting here at the end of the year, knowing that next year will bring so much change. Sometimes it almost feels unreal—from a spontaneous vacation idea last summer to concrete moving plans. But it feels right, as right as rarely anything has before.
Dorte said goodbye today with "Vi ses næste år!" (See you next year!) and gave us a wink. She knows we're serious about our dream of Denmark. And somehow her encouragement, her quiet conviction that we'll make it, has reassured us once more.
This will be our last Christmas just dreaming about it. Next year at this time, hopefully we'll already have concrete plans in place, maybe even found a house. The thought of it is the most beautiful Christmas gift.
God jul og godt nytår—Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May 2023 be the year when dreams become reality.
