Leaders and locals in Luxembourg share heartfelt reflections on what happiness means to them as the New Year begins.
As we step into the New Year, we extend our warmest wishes to everyone around us. To capture the essence of this season, our colleagues at RTL Infos spoke with notable and everyday people to discover what happiness truly means to them, and it seems the answer is as varied and unique as the people who define it.
Lydie Polfer, Mayor of Luxembourg City, reflects with a smile: "For me, happiness is knowing that the people close to me, the ones I love, are happy. If I know they’re happy, then I’m happy too."
For Max Hahn, Minister for Family Affairs, happiness is about cherishing one's loved ones. "Happiness is spending free time with the people who mean the most to me – my family. But it's also about giving time to those who need it most", he reflects. Hahn recently embodied this sentiment by participating in the Noël de la Rue, a Christmas event for the homeless.
For Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, archbishop of Luxembourg, happiness "isn't about avoiding misfortune. We all get sick, and we all die. But we can still be happy, even in those moments. That happiness comes from the consolation of God.” He adds that "the most terrible thing for a person is to feel unloved. Sadly, many people suffer from that today."
At Luxembourg’s Christmas market, onlookers shared their personal takes on happiness. A young woman remarks: "Happiness is being satisfied with what you have and with the people around you that you love."
For another young man, it's simpler: "Happiness is about spending meaningful moments with others. Maybe not being alone and feeling loved. Everyone makes their own happiness – it's personal."
A retired woman admits: "Love and friendship – that's what saves us, what pulls us out of life's darkest places. And staying positive and optimistic, that’s the key to happiness."
A passing couple had a heartwarming perspective. The husband said: "For me, happiness is being together." His wife smiles and adds: "It's my husband! My husband and our children – that's it for me. That's happiness."
There you have it, happiness can be as simple as that. Happy New Year 2025!
