President of Iceland, Halla Tómasdóttir, Reflects on First Christmas at Bessastaðir
Halla Tómasdóttir, the President of Iceland, is experiencing her first Christmas at the historic residence of Bessastaðir. The move to this new home, coupled with her new role, has inevitably influenced the family’s holiday traditions. Halla, who was inaugurated as president on August 1st and moved into Bessastaðir with her husband, Björn Skúlason, in November, cherishes this special family reunion as her children return from studying abroad for the holidays.
A New Beginning at Bessastaðir
“This year, we’re learning so much for the first time,” Halla commented on celebrating Christmas at Bessastaðir. The picturesque surroundings of their new home, despite the frequent strong winds, offer stunning views and a serene environment covered in snow during these winter days. “One of our traditions is taking a walk on Christmas Day, and I can’t think of a more beautiful place for this than Bessastaðir,” she added.
Unique Festivities at the Presidential Residence
While some holiday traditions remain the same, the responsibilities of the presidency bring notable differences, especially during New Year celebrations. Historically, the President of Iceland attends a State Council meeting on New Year’s Eve and hosts a large reception on New Year’s Day. Halla remarked, “I’m used to celebrating New Year’s Eve with family and friends until the early hours, but this year, I’ll need to adjust to my new duties.”
The Importance of Kind Words and Actions
Reflecting on her past experiences, including her time as an exchange student in the United States at age 17, Halla emphasizes the significance of expressing affection through words. “There’s nothing dangerous about using kind words,” she noted, encouraging Icelanders to embrace expressing fondness despite cultural tendencies toward modesty.
Addressing Screen Addiction: A Modern Challenge
Halla considers the pervasive issue of screen addiction, particularly among youth, as one of the pressing challenges of modern society. Research indicates that teenagers aged 13-16 spend approximately nine hours daily on smartphones, with five of those hours on social media. This excessive screen time correlates with increased anxiety, depression, and loneliness. Halla advocates for initiatives to combat this addiction, similar to past efforts against tobacco use and underage drinking.
Preparing for the First New Year’s Address
Halla is preparing her inaugural New Year’s address, a traditional duty for Icelandic presidents. “It’s a significant task to convey what I want to say in the few minutes available,” she mentioned. She plans to reflect on Iceland’s past, present, and future, emphasizing the importance of well-being alongside prosperity.
Hope as an Active Verb
Halla envisions a society where well-being is prioritized, and citizens are empowered to shape their communities. “Hope, in my view, is an action verb,” she stated, advocating for active participation and the opportunity for individuals to have a voice in the societal narrative.
This Christmas marks a new chapter for President Halla Tómasdóttir and her family at Bessastaðir. As they embrace new traditions, the holiday season remains a time to connect with what truly matters.